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Board weighs a library book-rating proposal and asks for community input
Summary
Trustees discussed a proposed library material rating system and the possibility of forming a committee to advise on endorsement and selection-policy updates; the district librarian described current acquisition practices and recommended reviewing the selection policy before making changes.
The Moriarty-Edgewood School District board discussed a proposed endorsement of a library book-rating system on Nov. 18 and directed staff to gather further input before taking formal action.
A trustee noted that a state legislator is considering a book-rating proposal and asked whether the board wanted to provide local guidance or a letter of support. Several trustees raised practical concerns: whether students still use physical library books at middle and high school levels, how parental notification and consent would work, and the reliability of AI-driven rating tools. One trustee said a committee of staff and community members could provide useful input.
The district librarian (Ms. Appel) told the board she oversees district purchases, that the district catalog is available online for parents to review, and that she references at least two professional journals when selecting materials. She said elementary schools in the district currently have no books flagged from the external list cited by a trustee, and described the existing selection policy and options for parents to restrict checkouts for their children.
Trustees asked for clarity about whether a rating system would cover only library materials or broader classroom materials. Board leaders proposed forming a small review group (staff + community members) to examine the selection policy and the proposed rating rubric and return recommendations to the board.
The board did not vote on an endorsement; members expressed interest in further study and public input before any formal action.
