Parents urge Pitt County Schools to notify families about library materials and adopt AI safeguards

During the public comment period, three speakers raised parental‑notification and content‑safety concerns and urged district action.

Rashana Carmen told the board she had met with Superintendent Dr. Lacader and asked the district to make parents aware of potentially sexually explicit library materials at the start of the school year rather than leaving discovery to social media. “The first time parents are hearing about these materials should not be from me on social media,” she said, and said she appreciated the superintendent’s commitment to consider earlier notification.

Trica Warhol, who said she had visited 33 of 39 schools, urged the board to consider districtwide funding for the Capturing Kids’ Hearts program, arguing it reduces conflict and improves school climate at campuses where it is in place.

Julie Anderson, speaking for Moms for Liberty, urged the board to adopt an AI policy that includes parental notification and oversight and to consider an opt‑in approach for certain library materials. Anderson said she had submitted an AI proposal in March and had not received a response; she cited recent litigation in Maryland as background for the opt‑in suggestion.

Board members did not debate policy changes during public expression, but Superintendent Dr. Lacader acknowledged the conversation and the need to follow up on notification practices. No formal policy change or board vote occurred at the meeting; speakers said they were seeking future district action and responses to submitted proposals.