Three motions regarding the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) library review were rejected at Monday night’s board meeting.
The three motions were presented by school board trustee Cindy Watson, requesting that a consultation process include the broader school community, that a written report be presented about the review process, and that the board develop a library review policy.
This follows a school board meeting on Jan. 17 when a WRDSB school teacher, Carolyn Burjoski, was removed while presenting her concerns about specific books in school libraries being inappropriate for children.
During her presentation, Burjoski was halted by board chair Scott Piatkowski who said that he was concerned that her delegation may be problematic.
Last year, WRDSB announced it would begin a multi-year project to review texts that may be ‘harmful’ to staff and students.
“This library review is important because it is important to our constituents. And we have heard from community members, and we heard from various stakeholders that this library review should have broad consultation and not just from people in groups, although we value that, but from all people, for students, for parents, and staff that aren’t part of a group or counsel,” Watson said at Monday night’s board meeting.
Watson said she hoped that trustees would support her motions.
“We’ve heard people suggest books, and we’ve had opportunities to learn more about what we have in our libraries. I think that this is something that we should have dialogue about. This is something that we should talk about,” Watson said.
“It is a library review. The expectation is that we will look at a consultation process that people can contribute to, so their voices can be heard.”
Trustee Mike Ramsay was the only other trustee in support of Watson’s motions.
“I strongly urge my colleagues to turn the page on Jan 17 and support these motions in light of any discussions that have taken place inside and outside of the board, especially outside of the board,” Ramsay said.
“I think we have heard from many of our constituents, many students and parents through email and social media. So, I am asking the board, moving forward, to support each motion that asks for the kind of consultation that really did not take place, that the public says is sorely needed.”
Trustee Jayne Herring did not agree that consultation with WRDSB was absent.
“I think there is consultation happening. And there is a place at this table for a variety of opinions as we’ve heard, but I don’t necessarily agree with that opinion,” Herring said.
Ramsay said the events from the past two weeks should not be ignored.
The WRDSB's director of education, jeewan chanicka, said that the board is using a wide variety of channels to access the community including social media consultation and that trustees were consulted and asked for suggestions as to who should be included.
"We are doing our best to engage in broad stakeholder consultation,” chanicka said.
Trustee Kathleen Woodcock said it is important to reflect on the annual report given by chanicka at the board meeting when talking about communications.
“We have taken real leaps in how we ask for information from our students, families, and communities,” Woodcock said.
“Our research department is doing some incredible surveying of our students and families. And throughout this pandemic, we have been communicating with our families. I think we are doing a great job.”
Watson presented another motion for future review regarding the age appropriateness of books in school libraries.
She said some issues can be contentious but that the board needs to be willing to build understanding, and not shy away from them.
“We don’t have to be afraid of it. We don’t have to fear what will be said,” Watson said.
“This is part of our job. We need to have dialogue.”
