Parents press board over library material access and ask for parental-notification policy on gender discordance

During the public-comment period a resident read a passage and asserted that People Kill People by Ellen Hopkins is available in the district’s high schools and Eastern Middle School; the reading and a broader complaint questioned prior statements from the board about library contents. The chair acknowledged the comment and noted public-comment procedures.

"This book is People Kill People by Ellen Hopkins," the commenter said while reading a passage from the text. Another commenter, Vicky Slott, asked the board to adopt a district-wide policy guaranteeing parental notification when students experience gender discordance, rather than handling cases on an ad hoc basis. "I would like this board to reconsider a case-by-case management approach and instead adopt a district wide policy that guarantees parental notification," Slott said, adding she also seeks access to professional-development materials related to Title IX and related training.

Superintendent Greg Riddle told the board that Title IX 2024 regulations have been vacated by court order and the district will revert to the 2020 regulations; he said the district expects policy revisions from its provider, Truman, on the February agenda. The superintendent and staff indicated administrators will follow up with members of the public who requested additional information.