Parents, Community Members Voice Concerns about Books at SCSD#2 Board Meeting

Policies that were up for approval by the board at the April 10 SCSD#2 Board of Trustees meeting included the library policy, which generated a great deal of discussion from the trustees, as well as a host of audience comments near the end of the meeting.

One that was discussed was an “Opt-out” policy for parents who felt that the material might not be appropriate for their children, and several of the board members and speakers felt this was the best policy.

Cissy Dillion was the first speaker. She said that she was a substitute teacher, and had been disrespected by some students in the classrooms. She said that in Sheridan we are all different but we have all gotten along pretty well. “Parents, you can control your kids, you can tell them what to read, but don’t do it for everybody.”

Ian Cannon Wallace who works as the media tech at Meadowlark school. He said he helped students find good things to read. He also added

One fifteen year old, Riley Rankin, had a different idea. Rankin said he was home schooled and has lived in Sheridan all his life. He had this to add about the books in the school libraries.

Nick Eyrich read a rather graphic excerpt from a book found in the Junior High Library, and when Rader cautioned him about using profanity, he felt that the school board helped to make his case .Many of the other speakers voiced their concerns about the books that are available in the school libraries. Brandy Patceg and her 13-year-old daughter Evie spoke to the board, and Brandy had this comment.

Karen Bearden felt the books were undermining much of the values that the teachers and the administrators were trying to uphold.

There were some speakers who were against the possible banning of some books, including one elementary student

Several board members and audience members complimented the youngster for her bravery and how well she spoke.

At least 20 people signed up to talk on the subject of books and censorship, and board chair Shane Rader held the comment section time to 45 minutes.

Each speaker was allowed three minutes to talk. Those who were not given a chance to speak on Monday, can speak at next month’s meeting. The board will keep the sign-in sheet from this meeting to allow them to speak.