- FL
- St. Johns County
- 2/26/24
- 02/26/2024
- 23 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: In a recent St. Johns County Schools meeting, a portion of the discussion centered on an objection to the book “The Great Cow Race” by Jeff Smith, which had been raised by a parent concerned about its appropriateness for first-grade students. The committee ultimately deemed the book suitable for grades prek and up, despite the concerns expressed.
- NJ
- Middlesex County
- 2/15/24
- 02/16/2024
- 72 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: In a recent East Brunswick School Board meeting, discussions centered on the potential establishment of a varsity dance team, the challenges in special education, and comprehensive budget presentations for the upcoming academic year. Students Savannah Seo, Olivia Bronco, and Sydney Hitchens made a case for transitioning their dance club to a varsity sport, receiving praise from the board for their initiative. Superintendent Victor Valeski and board members also tackled the rising costs and considerations for special education, along with the detailed budgeting for academics, athletics, and security.
- FL
- St. Johns County
- 2/12/24
- 02/12/2024
- 39 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: In a recent meeting of the St. Johns County Schools, significant time was dedicated to the review of objections to two books, “The Lovely Bones” by Alice Sebold and “The Sun and Her Flowers” by Rupi Kaur, based on concerns that their content may not be suitable for school-age children. The meeting, facilitated by Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Don Sapp, involved discussions centered around Florida law House Bill 1069, which restricts books in school libraries from containing certain content. Despite the debates, the committee did not reach a majority decision on “The Lovely Bones,” while they recommended “The Sun and Her Flowers” be retained for grades nine and up.
- NJ
- Atlantic County
- 2/6/24
- 02/07/2024
- 103 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: In a recent meeting, the Atlantic County Board of Commissioners addressed issues including flood response initiatives, cost-saving measures, and honoring late public servants. The meeting began with a tribute to the late James Carney, an esteemed former county surrogate judge, and Bruce Crow, mayor of Mikića. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to discussions about enhancing the county’s response to flooding through a new emergency alert app and public alert system, both aimed at improving community safety and preparedness. Additionally, the board approved multiple resolutions that promise financial savings, such as a $100,000 annual saving water conservation project at the Atlantic County Justice Facility and the acceptance of nine vehicles aiming to mitigate congestion and improve air quality.
- FL
- St. Johns County
- 2/5/24
- 02/05/2024
- 51 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: The St. Johns County Schools convened recently to address objections to controversial books within district libraries, with a particular focus on “Freedom Writers Diary” by Erin Gruwell and “Slaughterhouse 5” by Kurt Vonnegut. The District Library Book Objection Committee, adhering to Florida statutes and the Sunshine Law, engaged in a review process to determine the suitability of these books for students, considering their content and the appropriateness for specific grade levels.