INSIDE INFORMATION
Frisco ISD updates guidance, policy for district libraries BY GRANT JOHNSON A new policy was passed unanimously by the Frisco ISD school board laying the groundwork for updated guidance for district libraries. The updated policy went into e ect July 26 following a June 13 school board meeting, in which Amanda Butler, director of library and media services, and FISD General Counsel Daniel Stockton gave a presentation to trustees. The policy and accompanying guidelines focus on parental involvement, prohibiting inappropriate materials and improving the book reconsideration process. “This is a situation where our policies and our guidelines, which have been in place for many years, were put in place in a time with di erent standards, and standards have shifted,” Stockton said during the meeting. As of July 28, 14 library books have been recon- sidered since the rst reconsideration request was received in February. Eight titles have been removed from the shelves of FISD libraries as a result of the reconsideration process. Nine complaints were led formally and ve informally, according to library sta . The following infographic focuses on the reconsideration process of library materials and how an FISD student age 18 or older, an FISD employee, or any district resident can challenge the contents of library books formally and informally. People can also challenge the removal of a book. “The informal process is really about giving us an opportunity to resolve the concern right up front,” Stockton said. “Once you go into a formal process, that’s not really dialogue.” The newly adopted guidelines and policy will also a ect which books are curated to be in FISD libraries. In April, the school board approved the request to hire four new library sta members to assist librarians in purchasing materials in accor- dance with new guidelines.
FRISCO ISD’S Frisco ISD has nalized new administrative guidelines to address library book complaints. INFORMAL RECONSIDERATION CHALLENGE PROCESS
3
The librarian may also consult other librarians and committees internally.
1
Contact the school’s campus librarian with a concern of inappropriate materials in a library book. Librarians will use updated guidelines to determine if the book is t for students or if the book should be weeded out.
4
If the complainant does not believe their concerns have been addressed, a formal complaint can be led.
2
“WE ARE REALLY TRYING TO ENCOURAGE OUR COMMUNITY TO STEP AWAY FROM SUBMITTING A GIANT LIST OF BOOKS FOR RECONSIDERATION AND REALLY TALK WITH US ABOUT PARTICULAR TITLES THAT THEY HAVE READ.” AMANDA BUTLER, DIRECTOR OF LIBRARY AND MEDIA SERVICES
FORMAL RECONSIDERATION
“ DURING EXPEDITED CONCERNS WE’RE LOOKING SPECIFICALLY AT THE CONTENT THAT SOMEONE HAS ALLEGED AS OBSCENE RATHER THAN HAVING TO REVIEW THE BOOK IN ITS ENTIRETY, LIKE
www.friscoisd.org/library. Formal complaints are led through the FISD Request Center. The form can be found at
A reconsideration committee will receive:
• a copy of the title • reviews from outside publications • rubrics
• a set of slides and resources describing how library books are chosen for FISD.
The committee will meet and decide if the book is fit to be on the shelves. It will be removed from all campuses if deemed inappropriate.
WE DO IN THE COMMITTEE PROCESS.” DANIEL STOCKTON, FISD GENERAL COUNSEL
For expedited concerns:
1
If the complainant believes a book contains obscene content as de ned by the policy, they can indicate that on the complaint form. The process will be expedited and sta will review the speci c content rather than reviewing the book in its entirety with a committee. If it is not determined to be obscene, the formal reconsideration will continue with a committee reviewing the whole book.
2
SOURCE: FRISCO ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
NOTE: BOOKS ARE NOT REMOVED FROM LIBRARY SHELVES WHILE THEY ARE BEING RECONSIDERED. THEY ARE REMOVED AFTER THE PROCESS HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND THERE IS CONSENSUS TO REMOVE THEM.
3
Satisfied with your HOA management?
7797 Stonebrook Pkwy, Frisco, TX 75034 | (972)334-0005
Serving children ages 2-5
Call us at (469) 480-8000 to learn how we can help your current HOA thrive! www.assuredmanagement.com Our team focuses on the individual community’s needs, familiarizing ourselves with the association, to knowledgeably and effectively guide and assist homeowners.
• Low teacher/student ratios • Half-Day Morning & Afternoon Academic Programs • Stay & Play until 2 pm Available • Specializing in Kindergarten Readiness Learn more at www.applecreekpreschool.com
20
COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Powered by FlippingBook