Parent tells state board Carroll County removed challenged books, overrode committee decisions

Amanda Josskowski, a Carroll County Public Schools parent, urged the Maryland State Board of Education to investigate recent library material handling in her district, saying the district departed from its own rules and created a difficult environment for media specialists.

Josskowski said CCPS Board Policy 2‑AA requires reconsideration committees to act within 30 school days after receipt of a reconsideration form, but that the superintendent "broke from this established policy" by immediately removing titles under review from shelves due to volume of requests. She told the board the supervisor of media was reassigned to an English teacher role six business days before the school year started and said the acting supervisor lacks library science training.

"In a clear and baffling affront to ethical practice, the new acting supervisor then overrode 4 of the 5 decisions made under the former supervisor," Josskowski said, describing a pattern in which initial committee retains were reversed and raising concerns about vague new criteria in the supplemental material verification form. She asked the board who could provide guidance and how the matter could be clarified and rectified.

Chair and board members acknowledged the public comment, thanked Josskowski, and noted that the board receives public comment to better understand local issues. The state board did not take action at the meeting; members and staff said they appreciated the information and would note the concerns raised for any appropriate follow‑up.

Josskowski asked the board to clarify repercussions for staff who decline to sign new verification forms and to explain why selection and evaluation handbook changes were made without public comment. She said the new grade‑band purchase limits could block advanced students from accessing books labeled for higher reading levels.

The state board did not issue directives from the dais during the comment period but acknowledged the specific policy citation and the request for clarity.