Parents and community members weigh in on required reading; mixed emails urge removal or defend curriculum

Public comment opened with the board chair reading the standard disclosure about the Brown Act and public‑comment procedures. One resident, Katie Turner, thanked the board “for reaffirming your commitment to maintaining a safe environment for students and families regardless of their immigration status” and urged continued protections for immigrant and LGBTQIA+ students.

District staff then read four emailed comments into the record. The first, from Scott Taubold, asked, “must we have such an I’m Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter books read in our schools?” and urged removing it; the second, from Sophie Viera, urged reinstating school construction fees to address fiscal concerns (noting multiple DonorsChoose requests totaling $25,833); the third, from Kathy Lynn West, labeled the book “not recommended for under 18” and asked how to place it on an agenda; and the fourth, from Carrie Fishman (identified as a former FBUSD English teacher), urged the board to respect the curricular selection process and consult educators, saying texts are selected to align with state standards and academic goals.

Board members acknowledged the comments and noted the process for agenda placement and future consideration. No policy action was taken at the meeting; staff directed that public comment be entered into the record and that procedural steps exist to bring items forward for review.