Wicomico County Executive: Follow established process to challenge controversial books

I want to personally address the concerns about the potential use of obscene reading materials in Wicomico County Public Schools. 

As the County Executive, I want to make it known that I do not support the use of obscene materials anywhere in our schools. I do not want them used in the classroom, whether holistically or in literature circles, nor do I want them housed in school or classroom libraries.

As a previous teacher in our county system for the past 17½ years, I worked very hard ensuring that what I was putting in front of my students was relevant to the coursework and standards, met the needs of my students, was of high interest, but most importantly was appropriate for the students. I support traditional core values in our schools.

Besides supporting traditional core values, I also support following rules and processes that are put into place. Since I began my teaching career, there has been a process in place to address any books, assignments, or materials that any parent, guardian, or community member may find questionable or deem inappropriate. The process is as follows:

1.     Any parent or guardian may contact the student's teacher or school regarding a book, material, or assignment that they do not want their student to have access to or deem inappropriate. That book will be flagged in the online database and that specific child will not be able to access that book. The student will be given an alternative assignment or material to replace what was deemed inappropriate by that specific parent or guardian.
2. Any parent or guardian may contact the school principal via email regarding a book or material that they find inappropriate for all students within the class, grade level, or school. The principal will review the book or material and make a decision on appropriateness.
3.     If any parent or guardian is not satisfied with the outcome of#2, they may appeal the decision to the Central Office via email where the book or material will be reviewed by the Assistant Superintendent as well the Superintendent. Once it has been reviewed, a decision will be made on the appropriateness of that specific material or book.
4. If any parent or guardian is not satisfied with the outcome of #3, they may appeal the decision to the Board of Education via email where the book or material will be reviewed by the Elected School Board. Once it has been reviewed, a decision will be made on the appropriateness of that specific material or book.

While this process is approved and in place, it should be utilized if any parent, guardian, or community member has any concern regarding any material or book that any student is accessing. After speaking with the School Superintendent, since he has been in his role (July 2022), not one book, material, or assignment has come to any principal, to the Central Office, or to the Elected School Board for review. If this process is deemed as unsuccessful and a majority feel that it needs to be redesigned, a discussion with the Elected School Board should take place.

As I reiterated before, as a previous educator, a current parent, and now the County Executive, I do not support the use of obscene materials in our schools. I implore any parent, guardian, or community member to utilize the process put into place to ensure that these materials are removed.

Julie Giordano has served as County Executive since December.