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Novel adoption committee urges expanded book list; trustees ask for full lists and opt‑out details
Summary
A teacher committee proposed adding contemporary and diverse novels (e.g., American Like Me, Born a Crime, Bronx Masquerade, Midnight Library) to Perris Union’s secondary curriculum. Trustees asked for teacher glosses, samples showing derogatory language context and a clear parent opt‑out process; the item remains informational and will return as an action item with full materials.
A teacher-led committee presented a proposed expansion of the district novel list on Feb. 12, with members saying the intent is to increase student engagement and pair contemporary voices with existing curriculum units.
Noel Camon, a committee member from Perris High School, told the board the committee “didn't just pick books because they were popular or new — every title went through a rigorous process” considering literary merit, standards alignment and instructional value. Teresa Gonzalez, a teacher who reviewed grades 11–12 selections, described classroom demand for new titles and said teachers have already purchased extra copies for students.
Committee members identified several candidate titles for different grade bands: American Like Me and Bronx Masquerade for ninth grade; Born a Crime and Midnight Library for tenth; other contemporary memoirs or novels for upper grades. They said each title would be paired to an existing unit and accompanied by a teacher gloss with strategies to contextualize sensitive material.
Board members pressed for specificity. Trustee Garcia asked for a clearer accounting of “derogatory material” and asked staff to provide samples or contextual notes so board members and parents can see the passages under discussion. Trustee Hall asked that the committee include community representatives on future committees. Staff responded that the current presentation was an information item and that the district would provide the full list, teachers’ glosses, an opt‑out process for families and the recommended action format (a consolidated list the board could amend) before bringing it back for formal adoption.
No formal vote was taken. The committee said it will return with the full novel list, teacher contextualization materials and clarified opt‑out procedures at a future meeting so trustees can review specifics before any adoption vote.
