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Board adopts revisions extending library review process to classroom libraries
Summary
The board adopted Policy 5‑209 to apply library review and parental 60‑day review periods to classroom libraries; principals and teachers will be responsible for ensuring materials meet statutory criteria, and a review committee will adjudicate challenges.
The Apache Junction Unified School District governing board voted 5–0 July 28 to adopt revisions to Policy 5‑209 to explicitly cover classroom libraries in addition to school libraries.
Under the revised policy, materials newly added to classroom libraries must meet the same statutory criteria that apply to school libraries. Superintendent Dr. Robert Pappalardo described a process in which librarians or teachers catalog new materials, post a list for a 60‑day parent review period, and convene a committee if a complaint is filed. "If there's a complaint about a book, then we put a committee together to review the book with them," he said. The board discussed who is responsible for monitoring classroom materials; staff and principals were identified as the responsible parties.
Board members asked for clarification that this is not a blanket ban on books, but a mechanism to restrict materials that meet the statute's explicit-materials criteria. The motion to adopt the policy passed unanimously.
