The most contentious topic was the proposed new policy, 66.5, regarding library materials. This policy, previously introduced but not adopted in the spring, aims to establish a formal process for reconsidering or removing library materials that may not align with community standards. The debate centered on the criteria for evaluating these materials, especially concerning explicit content.

One participant voiced strong concerns about the presence of graphic content in school libraries, referencing past complaints about explicit passages in certain books. This individual emphasized the need for clear standards to avoid such content, stating, “I don’t think we should have those type of books in our library.” They suggested implementing a rating system similar to that used by ratedbooks.com to provide clear guidelines based on the content, particularly regarding sexual themes.

Another participant countered this view, arguing that books should be evaluated as whole works rather than focusing on isolated explicit sections. They stressed the importance of context, saying, “I would prefer to make a decision on a book… based on the whole policy and not just one piece of context.” This perspective highlighted concerns about potential over-censorship and the risk of misjudging a book’s overall message based on selective passages.

The discussion also touched on the composition of the committee responsible for reviewing library materials. There were calls to ensure that this committee included a balanced representation of community members, parents, teachers, and students, rather than being dominated by administrative staff. A participant proposed revising the committee structure to include three community members, two parents, a principal, a teacher, a media specialist, and a student aged 18 or over.

The debate underscored the challenge of balancing high standards with broad representation of student interests. While some emphasized the necessity of protecting students from explicit content, others advocated for a diverse and accessible library that caters to all students’ interests. The proposal to send the library materials policy to the school board for further review passed with a vote of seven in favor and one opposed.

In addition to the library materials policy, the board discussed several other policy revisions:

1. **Policy 54 on Acceleration Procedures:** Katie Rold, along with another school staff member, updated this policy to modernize its language and ensure consistency between grade or subject acceleration and early entrance to kindergarten. Rold clarified that the revisions aimed to use a broader range of data for considering acceleration candidates, moving away from the previous restrictive criterion of 95th percentile standardized test scores. An amendment was added to explicitly state parental consent for evaluations. The motion to approve the revised policy passed.

2. **Policy 308 on Administrator Evaluations:** Changes included removing an outdated form and updating the evaluation process to a rubric-style assessment. The superintendent explained that the current evaluation process involves setting goals with cabinet members and principals, followed by regular reviews, maintaining a written mid-year review, and shifting to a rubric format for the end-of-year review. This policy was also approved.

3. **Policy 503 on Student Attendance:** The board aimed to align this policy with updates from the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA). The superintendent clarified that requests for excused absences from individuals other than parents or guardians would require proper documentation to ensure accountability. The revised policy was approved.

4. **Policy 515 on Pupil Records Protection and Privacy:** This policy revision focused on the sharing of personal student contact information, particularly for special education students transitioning to postsecondary opportunities. The board passed the motion to send this policy for approval.

5. **Policy 532 on the Use of Peace Officers and Crisis Teams:** Minimal changes were made to update language reflecting current legislation. The policy emphasized that law enforcement involvement should be limited to necessary situations, maintaining a clear boundary between school personnel and law enforcement. This policy passed unanimously.

6. **Policy 616 on District System Accountability:** The board discussed new terminology introduced by the state legislature, renaming “world’s best workforce” to “comprehensive achievement and civic readiness.” This policy also passed without opposition.