StorySchool board policy approvals and program recognitionMay 21, 2025

Stillwater School Board Approves New Library Materials Policy

Meeting date: May 21, 2025
Published Aug 5, 2025

The Stillwater School Board approved a new library materials policy Tuesday evening following extensive community input and multiple readings over several months.

Policy 606.5 establishes procedures for selecting, reviewing and potentially removing library materials from district media centers. The policy includes provisions for community members to request removal of materials, with up to nine challenges permitted annually. A review committee appointed by the superintendent will evaluate requests, with appeals possible to the superintendent and ultimately the school board.

The board also approved a paraprofessional master contract and received updates on phone-free school implementation planned for fall 2025. The device-free policy will require students to store phones and electronic devices in locked containers during school hours from bell to bell.

During public comment, speakers addressed concerns about the library materials policy. Mike McCarthy criticized the policy as hiding what he called progressive political content from parents, while Katherine Hobbs questioned age-appropriateness standards for library materials.

The meeting opened with recognition of the Rock and Rollers unified band program, which includes students from the Trust Club and special education programs. The ensemble performs with Oakland Middle School students and demonstrates the district's commitment to inclusive programming.

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Summary

The Stillwater School Board meeting on May 20, 2025 featured recognition of the Rock and Rollers unified band program, public comments on media policy concerns, updates on phone-free school implementation, budget discussions, and policy approvals including a new library materials policy.

Key Highlights

Action Items

Finalize phone-free schools implementation procedures and staff training

Responsible: Administration/CararissaDue: 2025-08-01

Develop procedures for library materials policy 606.5

Responsible: AdministrationDue: 2025-06-30

Present final budget for board approval

Responsible: Marie/Finance DepartmentDue: 2025-06-17

Review library materials policy effectiveness

Responsible: Policy CommitteeDue: 2026-05-20

People, Places & Organizations

Rock and Rollers · Unified Band ProgramTrust Club · Inclusive Student OrganizationOakland Middle School · SchoolFamily Means · Contracted Mental Health PartnerMSBA · Minnesota School Boards AssociationTRA · Teachers Retirement AssociationPolicy 606.5 · Library Materials PolicyPolicy 524 · Internet and Technology PolicyPolicy 516 · Student Medication and Telehealth Policy
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