Board holds first reading of instructional materials and graduation attire policies, seeks clarity on cultural expression

Board members conducted a first reading of proposed revisions to policy IIA (instructional materials) and IKFB (graduation attire). The reading generated questions about the source of the changes and how the policies would affect graduation‑day cultural expression.

One board member expressed concern that new language around graduation attire could become prescriptive and potentially narrow traditions such as Polynesian or Latino cultural items worn at graduation. That board member asked whether the policy could unintentionally limit student expression. Dr. Bernal responded that the intent of IKFB is not to narrow cultural expression and pointed to the policy language that “graduated students will be allowed to wear Native American items of cultural significance or other items of cultural significance.”

Directors also asked about process questions tied to IIA, which clarifies definitions of core versus supplemental instructional materials and who chooses materials for library, classroom and supplemental needs. A board member asked whether the policy additions were driven by the Oregon Department of Education; Dr. Bernal said the revisions were developed collaboratively with ESD staff, the State Library of Oregon and the Intellectual Freedom Committee and that administrative rules related to the instructional materials process will come forward for board review in June.

No vote was taken; this was a first reading. Board members requested a redlined copy showing additions and deletions for the next reading and asked staff to ensure the policy preserves community traditions and clearly ties calendar‑selection authority to the board where appropriate.