Hillsborough County superintendent seeks board approval to temporarily remove controversial books

The Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) Board convened on June 10, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding summer planning, budget uncertainties, and recent directives from the State Board of Education regarding book challenges in schools.

Superintendent Dr. Maria Vasquez opened the meeting by emphasizing that despite the summer break, planning and preparations for the upcoming school year are in full swing. She noted that the district is currently operating without a finalized state budget but is prioritizing employee salaries as discussions continue.

A significant topic of discussion was the recent actions taken by the State Board of Education concerning certain books deemed inappropriate for school libraries. Dr. Vasquez highlighted that Hillsborough County's superintendent was asked to address the board regarding a list of over 50 books identified by the state. OCPS currently has 13 of these titles in its schools, some of which are under challenge or have been reviewed and remain available.

In light of the state board's ruling, Dr. Vasquez requested the board's approval to temporarily remove the identified books from school shelves. She proposed that this action be taken during the summer when student presence is minimal, allowing staff to review the policy and bring recommendations back to the board by the end of the month or in July.

Board members engaged in a discussion about the implications of the state board's directive. Member Bird raised a question regarding the authority of the state board over local policies. Mr. Pomerini clarified that the State Board of Education holds supervisory power over local school boards, which means that state directives can supersede local policies, even if they conflict with existing laws.

The board reached a consensus to support the superintendent's request, allowing for the temporary removal of the books while further evaluations are conducted. The decision underscores the ongoing challenges faced by school districts in navigating state regulations and local governance.

As the meeting concluded, the board acknowledged the importance of addressing these issues promptly to ensure compliance with state directives while maintaining the integrity of local educational policies. The OCPS plans to keep the community informed through updates on their website regarding the status of the books and the review process.