The School Board should be accountable to the voters for school policy and its implementation, including the suitability of books in school libraries. The School Board should consider establishing a “School Library Advisory Committee” responsible for advising the board on all library matters, including any complaints regarding the suitability of books in school libraries.
The FCPS staff should hear any complaints first and resolve them at that level, if possible. Parents should have the right to appeal to the School Library Advisory Committee for reconsideration. That Committee should hear the appeal and justify recommendations to the School Board. Then the School Board should consider those recommendations, conduct additional hearings if necessary, and make the final decision.
This approach would enhance due process for complainants and consideration of community values and standards in resolving any complaints. It would also provide the School Board with a more thorough assessment of the issues to support its final decision-making.