6078.00 | Challenged Materials

The primary purpose of having instructional materials is to implement, enrich, and support the educational programs.

Occasionally, material selected is challenged or questioned by the public. In the interest of handling these complaints objectively and expeditiously, the “Procedure to Analyze Teaching Material”is followed. (See Procedures Section VI)In addition:

A. Concerns regarding instructional materials are initially discussed with the classroom teacher or library media teacher. Continuing concerns are addressed in a meeting with the complainant and principal, as well as the classroom teacher or library media teacher. If the situation cannot be resolved, the complainant is given a Controversial Materials Packet that includes a Request for Review of Instructional Materialsform. (See Forms, Section VI)When the completed form is returned, the principal informs the Superintendent, who in turn informs the Board of Trustees and the Review Procedure is initiated.

B. Review Procedure. Material that is the subject of this review procedure is not removed until the final decision has been reached.

  1. The complainant completes the Request for Review of Instructional Materialsform.
  2. The principal appoints a Review Committee consisting of two parents and/or patrons, two teachers, one library media teacher, and a counselor.
  3. Members of the Review Committee evaluate the material in question, along with other pertinent information.
  4. The Review Committee convenes and the complainant presents his/her position
  5. The Review Committee discusses the material with regard to the complaint and will make a decision within thirty (30) days of the meeting date.
  6. The review decision is forwarded to the complainant, principal, Superintendent, classroom teacher, and/or library media teacher.

C. Appeals of Review Committee Decisions. The complainant, classroom teacher, or library media teacher has the option of either accepting the Review Committee's decision or appealing to the Board of Trustees. If either party chooses to appeal:

  1. He/she must notify the principal within ten (10) days of receipt of the Review Committee's decision.
  2. The principal notifies the Superintendent.
  3. The Superintendent notifies the Board of Trustees that an appeal of the Review Committee's decision has been filed.
  4. The Superintendent notifies the appellant of the procedures for presenting his/her objection before the Board of Trustees.
  5. The Superintendent provides the Board of Trustees with all materials and information accumulated by the Request for Review of Instructional Materialsprocess.
  6. After reviewing these materials, the Board of Trustees holds an open meeting to hear presentations from the appellant and other interested parties.
  7. The Board of Trustees makes a final determination on the use of the challenged material and notifies the appellant, principal, classroom teacher, and library media teacher of its decision within forty-five (45) days of the appeal hearing. (5-30-02)