Dear Editor,
As some of you may know, a mother from our community recently raised concerns about a book that is required reading for 8th-grade English. She found its content, particularly the offensive and sexually explicit language, inappropriate for her daughter. This issue has sparked a debate within our community, with some parents supporting the book, while others do not. However, this letter is not about the content of any specific book; it is about the process by which books are selected as required reading, ensuring that we have policies in place to provide a safe learning environment for all New Canaan Public School (NCPS) children.
Our schools must adhere to clear state rules and district policies when making curriculum decisions. I have formally requested a review of this approval process and a presentation of findings and corrective actions. I encourage all parents and community members to attend the Board of Education (BOE) meeting on March 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Wagner Room at the High School to ask critical questions and demand transparency.
Key Issues That Need Answers:
Was this book approved by the required Curriculum Committee?
Connecticut General Statutes § 10-220(e) mandates that each district have a curriculum committee responsible for reviewing and approving all educational materials. If such a committee exists, we should have access to meeting minutes documenting when and how this book was approved. What is the date it was added, and where can we find these meeting minutes?
Read the statute here: Connecticut General Statutes § 10-220(e)
Was there community input?
District Policy 6160 requires that program evaluations include surveys of parents and other stakeholders to ensure curriculum decisions reflect community needs. This policy has been violated by school administration for at least the past three years that my children have been enrolled. Were parents given the opportunity to provide feedback when this book was first added, or has this policy been violated even longer? To my knowledge, no such survey was conducted before the book was included on the required reading list.
I addressed this policy violation during the November 18, 2024, BOE meeting, and I encourage everyone to review the full discussion. You can view my presentation starting at 7:40 in the video linked here: Watch presentation.
You can also review the full policy here: NCPS BOE Policies (page 216).
Did the BOE follow the proper approval process?
Connecticut General Statutes § 10-229(a) requires that any change in required textbooks be approved by a two-thirds vote of the BOE. If this vote took place, the meeting minutes should reflect which BOE members supported it. Where are these meeting minutes, and who were the six members who decided to approve the book?
Read the statute here: Connecticut General Statutes § 10-229(a)
Why This Matters to All of Us:
Recently, a parent requested an opt-out policy for books with explicit content. This is not just about one book but about ensuring that all families feel comfortable with the materials their children are required to read. The BOE’s primary responsibility is to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, which includes giving parents a voice in curriculum decisions.
If the correct process was not followed, we need to understand why, and we must ensure that future curriculum decisions are made with full transparency.
I addressed these and some other concerns in a December 16 2024 BOE presentation, which can be viewed here (starting at 6:40): Watch presentation.
I encourage all parents, educators, and concerned community members to attend the March 3, 2025, BOE meeting and make their voices heard. We all deserve a say in the materials that shape our children’s education.
Sincerely, Julia Farberov
