Florida’s school book battle moves into public libraries
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The debate over whether certain books are age appropriate for children is moving from Florida schools to county public libraries. Many of the questioned titles deal with LGBTQ+ themes and characters. The big story: At the same time the Nassau County school district was agreeing to return dozens of books to its library shelves, the Pasco County government was removing some of the same books from its public library system. After having a book about a transgender youth brought to his attention, commissioner Seth Weightman asked county staff to identify any books with similar content in the system and review its appropriateness for children. He referred to Florida laws relating to school book challenges and instruction about gender — laws the state has said do not apply to books that are not required reading.
The county “suppressed” 130 titles as a result of the audit, which relied on the Florida Department of Education challenge list and a separate search for keywords such as “LGBTQ. ” Commissioners were ready to yank the books off the shelves permanently until getting a caution from their lawyer. The activity has now grabbed the public’s attention, including at least one of the authors whose book was targeted as “disturbing. ” Hot topics: Vouchers: Florida Democrats are calling on the state to release more information about the costs and scope of the state’s growing school voucher program, Florida Phoenix reports. Superintendents: Sarasota County superintendent Terry Connor has brought new direction and a sense of calm to the school district that was roiled by partisan politics a year ago, the Herald-Tribune reports.
• The Charlotte County school board gave superintendent Mark Vianello praise and a raise, the Daily Sun reports. Grade configurations: A pilot program adding sixth grade to two Escambia County elementary schools has gone so well that district officials are considering expanding the model to all elementary schools, with an eye toward possibly creating K-8 schools around the county, the Pensacola News-Journal reports. Electric buses: The Dixie County school district is transitioning to an all electric bus fleet with the help of a federal grant, WUFT reports. Driver education: Improvements to the Miami-Dade County school district’s driver education program, including added adaptations for students.