The content of school-based Library Media collections is ultimately the responsibility of the school's principal. The selection of school-based Library Media and resources rests with the school's certified media specialist.

Training will be conducted annually by the Supervisor of Instructional Technology & Media Services and/or FLDOE regarding prohibition of harmful materials and best practices in the selection of LIbrary Media materials and resources per Florida Statute 1006.28.

BDS Policy 8.506 outlines the criteria for the selection of Library Media Materials and Resources. Library Media Materials and Resources are selected based on the criteria outlined in Florida Statute 1006.34, including, but not limited to:

1. The age of the students that are expected to have access to the material or resource;

2. The educational purpose to be served by the material;

3. Consideration of the diversity of students

The certified school media specialist is responsible for periodic removal or weeding of library media materials. This weeding process is determined by a continuous review of the existing collection, both print and digital. In the weeding process, many factors are taken into consideration including, but not limited to, space constraints, relevance of material, physical condition of material, alignment to state standards, and circulation data.

Parents and county residents can view school library collections by going to bayschools.follettdestiny.com. School library collections are searchable under the "catalog" tab.

Parents and guardians can opt-out of student access to Library Media materials at any time by contacting their school media specialist.

Parents or residents of the county may object to the use of a specific instructional material in the classroom, made available in a school or classroom library, or included on a reading list, based on the criteria set forth in Sections 1006.28(2)(a)2. or 1014.05(1)(c), Florida Statutes. All challenges under this policy shall be addressed as follows:

A. School Level—Informal Complaint

Parents or residents of the county should make any such objection in writing to the principal, identifying the specific instructional material and stating the basis for the objection.

The principal will review the objection and may meet with the teacher or complainant, or both, in an attempt to resolve the objection, using an alternative instructional material. The principal’s resolution may be challenged by the complainant or a teacher using the instructional material. To initiate a formal challenge, a Specific Materials Objection form shall be filed with the Supervisor of Instructional Technology and Media Services. The complainant shall be given a copy of the procedures for filing an appeal.

B. District Level—Formal Complaint.

1. A parent or resident shall fully complete the District’s objection form, titled a “Specific Materials Objection Form”, and shall identify the author, title and publisher of the material being objected to; the complainant’s familiarity with the material challenged; the sections challenged, by page and item; and whether the challenged material contains content that: a) is pornographic or prohibited under s. 847.012, FS; b) depicts or describes sexual conduct as defined in s. 847.001(19)(unless such material is for a course required by ss. 1003.46, 1003.42(2)(n)1.g, 1003.42(n)3, Florida Statutes, or identified by State Board of Education rule); c) is not suited to student needs and their ability to comprehend the material presented; or, d) is inappropriate for the grade level and age group for which the material is used.

🆕Form must be submitted in-person to the Supervisor of Instructional Technology and Media Services located at 1110 W. 17th Street Panama City, FL 32405

Objection Submissions 2024-2025

Past Formal Objections:

Challenged Library Materials

The bill enhances the process for transparency and review of library and classroom materials available to students in public schools and the process for parents to limit student access to materials and make objections to materials. Any parent wishing to limit access to the school's media center or limit titles within the school's media center can complete the form below:

Media Center Usage Form

All schools have ITV with announcements and showcase of their students and events.

The District Media Center offers a variety of services to all residents of Bay County. Services include copies, Ellison die cuts, lamination, posters, and more.