St. Louis County Schools, ISD 2142	MSBA/MASA Model Policy 606
Adopted:  Unknown 									      Orig. 1995
Revised:  July 25, 2016 (with revision from MSBA Model Policy)	Rev. 2005

606	TEXTBOOKS AND INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

I.	PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to provide direction for selection of textbooks and instructional materials.

II.	GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

The school board recognizes that selection of textbooks and instructional materials is a vital component of the school district’s curriculum.  The school board also recognizes that it has the authority to make final decisions on selection of all textbooks and instructional materials.

III.	RESPONSIBILITY OF SELECTION

A.	While the school board retains its authority to make final decisions on the selection of textbooks and instructional materials, the school board recognizes the expertise of the professional staff and the vital need of such staff to be primarily involved in the recommendation of textbooks and instructional materials.  Accordingly, the school board delegates to the superintendent the responsibility to direct the professional staff in formulating recommendations to the school board on textbooks and other instructional materials.

B.	The superintendent shall be responsible for developing procedures and guidelines to establish an orderly process for the review and recommendation of textbooks and other instructional materials by the professional staff.  Such procedures and guidelines shall provide opportunity for input and consideration of the views of students, parents, and other interested members of the school district community.  This procedure shall be coordinated with the school district’s curriculum development effort and may utilize advisory committees.

IV.	RECONSIDERATION OF TEXTBOOKS OR OTHER INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

A.	The superintendent shall be responsible for the development of guidelines and procedures to identify the steps to be followed to seek reconsideration of textbooks or other instructional materials. 

Legal References:	Minn. Stat. § 120A.22, Subd. 9 (Compulsory Instruction – Curriculum)
Minn. Stat. § 120B.235 (American Heritage Education)
Minn. Stat. § 123B.02, Subd. 2 (General Powers of Independent School Districts)
Minn. Stat. § 123B.09, Subd. 8 (School Board Responsibilities)
Minn. Stat. § 124D.59-124D.61 (Limited English Proficiency)
Minn. Stat. § 127A.10 (State Officials and School Board Members to be Disinterested; Penalty)
Hazelwood Sch. Dist. v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260, 108 S.Ct. 562, 98 L.Ed.2d 592 (1988)
Pratt v. Independent Sch. Dist. No. 831, 670 F.2d 771 (8th Cir. 1982)

Cross References:	MSBA/MASA Model Policy 603 (Curriculum Development)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 604 (Instructional Curriculum)