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Parents press Katy ISD to reject draft library policy; board hears first reading of policy changes
Summary
Multiple public commenters urged trustees to oppose draft EFB(local) changes they said would enable book removals and restrict access; administrators outlined the new 30‑day public review process and the board’s role in final decisions under the updated policy.
Several parents used Monday’s public comment period to press the board on library policy and recent book restrictions, while staff explained the new process trustees will vote on as part of Policy Update 126.
Anne Russi, a parent of two district students, told trustees she opposed the administration’s draft of EFB(local) and urged the board to restore earlier procedures that rely on formal reconsideration by a committee rather than informal internal reviews. "Tonight, you can steer the district away from book bans and censorship and toward honoring individual choice and intellectual freedom," Russi told the board.
In the policy discussion that followed, district library services staff explained the new public‑review workflow required by recent state law: librarians vet titles, submit new book titles to a public dashboard for a 30‑day review and monitor public comments; books with comments are pulled for further review prior to being placed on a roster for the board. "They will read those books, review those books, make sure that they are compliant," a library services representative said, describing the 30‑day public posting and internal vetting process.
Trustees also discussed changes to FA(local) language addressing student social transitioning, grievance procedures (F and G local) that must be posted online, and how a board member or any community member can request review of a new library acquisition. Board members emphasized that a single trustee cannot unilaterally remove books from shelves; policy requires a formal review or a board vote to alter the roster. Administration and trustees noted that some FA(local) language may need further revision depending on pending litigation and counsel’s advice.
What’s next: Update 126 was presented as a first reading; trustees asked staff and outside counsel to confirm statutory language and to provide clarifying materials before the regular December meeting when adoption is anticipated.
