LPOSD drafts new learning materials policy

In its first meeting since the enactment of Idaho House Bill 710, the Lake Pend Oreille School District board brought forth a draft of a new “learning materials review and reconsideration” policy.

District officials said the document will complement the existing “library materials policy” — which is being expanded by the board — and is intended to provide a comprehensive protocol for the evaluation of library and classroom media in schools. 

The new policy is one of many taking shape across Idaho. Educational institutions are adjusting to the Children’s School and Library Protection Act, which was enacted July 1 and restricts minors’ access to “harmful” materials — namely, content containing depictions or descriptions of nudity or sexual behavior that are "offensive to prevailing standards." 

The law’s somewhat ambiguous language has required individual institutions to carefully develop policies that comply with the legislation while protecting the First Amendment rights of publishers and patrons. 

For LPOSD, the first step is broadening its existing policy on library materials. A notable addition to the policy is a clause stating that while librarians choose which books they add to their libraries, the board is ultimately responsible for the selection of library materials in the district. 

Also added was a clause stating that a library may have a dedicated section for restricted materials, and that a student needs parental permission to access a restricted work. Previously, there was no mention of restricted materials or a restricted section. 

The district’s brand-new policy (learning materials review and reconsideration) describes a major change to the district’s evaluation process for learning materials. Previously, “any individual” could challenge library materials by filing a grievance, which would go through the district’s standard procedure. 

Now, a student, parent/guardian of a student, district employee, or district resident can challenge materials. The staff member who oversees the material in question will meet with the challenger to explain the material’s purpose and offer an alternate resource. 

If the challenger wants to make a formal objection, they can submit a new form (2530) to the building principal. At that point, the superintendent and board will assemble a special committee. 

The committee will recommend retaining, relocating, or removing the material; if the material is part of the district’s curriculum, the board will make the final decision. If it’s library or classroom library material, the superintendent will have final authority. 

According to the new policy, the major criterion for deciding whether to keep or remove a material is the “appropriateness of the resource for its intended educational use.” A clause in the policy cites difficulty level, age-appropriateness, and harmfulness as described in HB 710 as key factors in a potential review of a resource. 

Superintendent Dr. Becky Meyer told trustees that district librarians provided input as the new policy was developed. 

The new and revised policies will have a second reading and be considered for approval at the district’s next board meeting Aug. 13. 

If approved at the Aug. 13 meeting, the policies will be included in the LPOSD board policy handbook as “Library Materials (2500)” and “Learning Materials Review & Reconsideration (2530).” 

Draft versions of the policies are available in the “7-9-2024 board packet” document on the LPOSD website.