Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Board Action topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Siuslaw School Board votes to remove Flamer from high‑school collection after hours of testimony
Summary
After more than two hours of public testimony and extended internal debate, the Siuslaw School District board voted 4–2 (with three members absent or recorded otherwise) to overrule a community committee and remove the book Flamer from the high‑school library collection.
The Siuslaw School District board voted on March 12 to overrule the district community committee and remove the book Flamer from the Siuslaw High School library. Director Barnett moved for removal; Director Cole seconded. Following roll‑call votes, the motion carried with four directors in favor and two opposed; meeting minutes recorded the outcome as a 4–2–3 result in the boardroom vote.
During deliberation board members argued over the distinction between required curriculum and voluntary library materials, the authenticity of the book’s language and the risks and benefits for students. Director John (speaker 11) said he supported removal for younger high‑school readers because of the language, while other directors and the committee chair (speaker 9) emphasized the committee’s unanimous recommendation that the book remain on the shelf. The superintendent and district librarian explained the vetting process and possible alternatives (age restrictions, flagged records, parental opt‑outs) during the discussion. After the vote the chair called a brief recess.
The board's action overruled the district community committee's prior decision to retain the book; the resolution cited Policy IIA and the reconsideration administrative rule under item 6.1 on the agenda. The motion and vote were recorded in the meeting transcript and the board scheduled additional policy work in subsequent meetings to refine reconsideration and supplemental‑materials procedures.
