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Trustee flags K–3 books for LGBTQ content; public commenters press board on literacy and standards
Summary
A trustee told the board he reviewed K–3 read-aloud books and objected to LGBTQ-themed content and to a title that donates proceeds to an LGBT advocacy group; public commenters later urged the board to prioritize reading outcomes and criticized "woke" materials.
A trustee report and public-comment period on March 11 focused on curriculum materials and broader concerns about student achievement.
A trustee (identified in the meeting record as Rick Nelson) told the board he had reviewed eight K–3 read-aloud books and said seven contained LGBTQ-related material or gender-content he found objectionable. He singled out one title — Jack, Not Jackie — that, he said, discloses in its front matter that a portion of proceeds will be donated to an organization that he described as "accelerating LGBT acceptance." The trustee urged the district to consider whether that book is appropriate for district materials and whether the board should act at a future meeting.
During public comment, Sandy and David Lamel and other residents raised concerns about academic performance and curricular direction. David Lamel cited proficiency figures he attributed to recent reporting and argued the district must focus on raising reading, math and science outcomes. Another resident, Judy Ers, echoed calls for emphasizing literacy and removing books she regarded as inappropriate.
Board members who spoke acknowledged the concerns and recommended a future discussion. District staff noted the process for instructional materials selection involves teachers and state channels and said any formal policy question should be scheduled as a board agenda item where staff can present selection criteria and supporting documentation.
No formal policy change was adopted at the meeting; trustees indicated they would consider next steps and suggested the matter be placed on a future agenda if a board member moved to do so.
