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Platteville School District board accepts library review report after public comments
Summary
After nearly an hour of public comment, the Platteville School District board voted to accept a Feb. 18, 2025 book-reconsideration report; speakers included parents and residents who alternately urged trusting the review committee, protecting student safety, and ensuring age-appropriate placement.
The Platteville School District board voted to accept the book-reconsideration report from Feb. 18, 2025 after hearing nine public commentators during the public-comment period.
The board approved the committee's recommendation by voice vote following a motion to accept the report. Earlier the board voted to extend the allotted public-comment time so all nine speakers could take three minutes each.
Supporters of keeping the reviewed titles on middle-school shelves praised the committee's process. "The committee completed a full review of the books in question and it's obvious to me that they truly care about children," said Linda Mroy, a retired parent who urged the board to accept the panel's work and to make the committee's processes more accessible to families.
Other speakers urged the board to consider the books' potential to support vulnerable students. "Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10 to 14," said parent Melissa Habberman while describing the graphic novel Flamer; she argued the book's portrayal of a young person's struggle can help students who feel isolated.
Several residents urged caution or asked for clearer age guidance. "There are valid concerns if they are age appropriate," said Carla Goodney, citing external retail listings that place titles such as Flamer and Heartstopper at older grade levels. Eric Stater, a family physician, urged placing sensitive material in context and ensuring discussions occur at developmentally appropriate times.
Board members thanked the review committee for its work and noted new parent-notification steps. A board member said flyers were sent to parents and an alert option was added on the Destiny system so parents may register limits for their children's checkout access.
The board did not remove titles as part of this vote; it accepted the committee's report and the record shows the committee's recommendation will guide library access and related communications. No additional formal action or specific removals were recorded at the meeting.
The board moved on to other business after the vote; the meeting record does not list further immediate steps on the reconsideration beyond implementing the committee's recommendations and the added parental-alert option.
