The RSU 40/MSAD 40 school board advanced a policy on the selection of instructional materials on first reading, but several members pressed for revisions to add time limits for administrative response and to clarify how materials are reviewed before purchase.

Why it matters: The policy governs how instructional materials are selected, how challenges are handled, and how recommended changes are reported to the superintendent. Board members said clarity and timelines would reduce backlogs and repeated citizen challenges.

Discussion highlights: Board member Randy said the district should include a set time frame for administrators to complete written reports to the superintendent after a challenge—proposals mentioned 10 days, 30 days or six weeks. Randy said he had raised the point previously and wanted it on the record that the absence of a time limit allows matters to linger.

Other members questioned a draft provision requiring that individuals who order materials “personally review” them before they go into circulation. One board member said librarians have told the board that full personal reading is not feasible for every order and that the current practice relies on a mix of review methods, including reading reviews and excerpts.

Board action: A motion to approve policy IJJ, selection of educational materials (first reading), and related exhibits was moved and seconded. The meeting record shows two board members—Melvin and Reed—voted no; the motion passed on first reading.

Details and next steps: Board members asked the policy committee to revisit the draft to consider adding explicit time limits for administrative action and to clarify the expectation about what constitutes a “personal review.” The district will bring the policy back for a subsequent reading after any committee edits.