Board quashes book complaint; cites policy

When Angie Langlie appeared before the Owatonna School Board last month, she promised the group she’d see them again this month – with a similar concern.
Langlie, a co-founder of United Patriots for Accountability, said she was “unraveling what’s offered in our schools’ libraries,” cross-referencing Owatonna’s online media center list with a list of 850 books that Texas legislator Matt Krause wants to ban.
But before she could begin her three minutes of public comment Monday night, board chairman Mark Sebring stopped her, saying he’d been negligent in enforcing a district policy.
Specifically, Policy 606, Section V: Re-evaluation of Resources, which says: “The school board recognizes differences of opinion on the part of some members of the school district community relating to certain areas of the instructional program. Interested persons may request an opportunity to review resources and submit a request for reconsideration of the use of certain textbooks and instructional materials.”
The policy includes a request form for anyone who would like a “textbook or instructional material” reviewed by a district advisory committee.
“So you can’t talk to the school board about your concerns?” Langlie asked.
“That’s what Policy 606 is for,” Sebring responded.
“That’s ridiculous,” Langlie said before returning to her seat.
Todd Andrist, the president of the local teachers union, also addressed the board during the public forum, “representing 390-plus members, to say ‘thank-you’ for giving of your service and your time… and leading us in a direction that is positive. You shouldn’t have to be treated poorly.”
As part of the district’s policy revisions, board members later in the meeting made what could be considered significant changes to its public participation in school board meeting.
The policy includes a new line, limiting public comment to “individuals who have a direct relationship with the school district.”
In order to address the board, speakers must be a district resident, district taxpayer, district student, district parent/guardian, or district staff member.
Other changes and additions include:
Anyone who wants to have an item on the school board meeting agenda is required to notify the superintendent’s office in advance of the meeting;
The board chair may open the board meeting for public comment regarding an agenda item being discussed;
Remarks must be addressed to the full school board, not to any specific member or public attendees;
Prohibited behavior now includes cheering, jeering or other disruptive behavior. This applies to the speaker or any attendees.
Signage, placards or posters that obstruct the view or create a safety hazard are prohibited during the meeting.
The main order of business was the tax levy certification, which was passed – but not unanimously.
Board member Deborah Bandel was the lone vote of opposition for the final levy amount, which was 1.5% lower than last year’s amount. She asked one question after the presentation and explanation of the information by Amanda Heilman, director of finance and operations for ISD 761.
The 2021 payable 2022 levy, to be used for the 2022-23 school year, is $17.9 million.
The board accepted several gifts on behalf of the district, including a $15,000 donation from Mayo Clinic Health Systems to the Career Pathways program at Owatonna High School. The money will be used for opportunities in the Health Science and Human Services program.
The 761 Foundation donated another $50,000 installment in its $250,000 pledge to help fund a community room at the new high school. The 2,400-square-foot space will be near the activities entrance of the new school, which is on track to open in the fall of 2023.