Pine-Richland School Board members on Monday voted 5-4 to reverse a policy on challenging library books that thrust the district into the national spotlight in recent years.
In the revision, only parents and guardians can raise concerns about library books. Further, the revision makes clear that diversity of literature — including topics that some may find controversial — is an objective.
In addition, no board action is required before library books are purchased, lists of new materials will continue to be posted on school library websites and a review committee will be re-established for challenged books.
One part of the policy established in 2025 remains: The ultimate authority to keep or remove a library book remains with the board, not the superintendent.
School board members Randy Augustine, Amy Cafardi, Liz DeLosa, Ashley Fortier and Melissa Vecchi voted to approve the revised policy. Marc Casciani, Leslie Miller, Philip Morrissette and Michael Wiethorn voted against it.
In October 2023, Pine-Richland received requests from district parents challenging 14 books in the middle and high school libraries.
At the time, the district established a committee to review the books. Superintendent Brian Miller determined the books could remain in the libraries.
The school board in March 2025 narrowly approved a policy that gave itself the final say to add or remove district library books, rather than Superintendent Miller.
Under that policy, the superintendent would review requests for a book be removed from the library. The requester would have 21 days after being informed of the decision to appeal it to the school board president, and the school board would make the final decision.
Community reaction was divided: Some applauded the policy for excluding potentially inappropriate texts while others questioned the premise of restricting books and the school board’s intentions.
On Monday, Casciani said he was against the revised policy because only parents and guardians, rather than the community, could challenge library texts. Morrissette and Weithorn said not allowing any district resident the ability to challenge books would disenfranchise them.
A motion adjusting the policy to allow any district resident to challenge books failed along the same 5-4 lines.
Weithorn said books are being challenged currently. He asked Fortier, the board president, how they would be handled. Fortier said the board received legal guidance Friday and will discuss it in executive session.
