Just some background since there has been some discussion of this "new" law
in Colorado. The original wording, passed 4 or 5 years ago, dealt only with
textbooks. Some districts applied it to library books, but most wouldn't
since the library connection wasn't established. This year, Karen Sheek, a
Durango-area school librarian, contacted her Representative (Mark Larson)
and explained the problem (this detail was in the original msg I posted
in-state, but was omitted by the person who resent it to LM_NET). He carried
a bill that added "or library resources" in the wording.
Please note that this doesn't mandate that kids pay for books per se. The
district must still make reasonable effort to obtain payment, and does allow
arrangement of pay-back options or services for students who are unable to
pay. Still, it is needed leverage for many libraries. Since the textbook
has been in effect for years, I'm not aware of any court challenges to the
law since it's been around for textbooks.
This does show that one person contacting the right person on the right
issue can make a difference. We'd been arguing this library vs. textbook
topic for years. Now it's fixed because one person took the initiative to
raise the issue. Next time you get asked to write your Congressperson or
local legislator, remember that one voice can make a difference. Silence can
also make a difference--just not the one you might want.
______________________________________
Eugene Hainer
Director, Library Development Services
Colorado State Library, CDE
ph. 303.866.6730
fax 303.866.6940
hainer_g@cde.state.co.us
Date: Fri, 16 May 2003 11:41:37 -0600
From: Webster Ava <AWebster@LPS.K12.CO.US>
Subject: GEN: Kids paying for books - it's now the state law in Colorado
This amendment concerning school board powers was signed into Colorado
law on May 2nd:
SECTION 1. 22-32-110 (1) (jj), Colorado Revised Statutes, is amended to
read:
22-32-110. Board of education - specific powers - repeal. (1) In
addition to any other power granted to a board of education of a school
district by law, each board of education of a school district shall have
the following specific powers, to be exercised in its judgment:
(jj) To require the replacement of damaged textbooks or library
resources or the return of loaned textbooks or library resources by
withholding the diploma, transcript, or grades of any student who fails
to return or replace any such textbooks or library resources at the
completion of any semester or school year. The school district shall
make a reasonable effort to obtain payment for lost or damaged textbooks
or library resources. If the school district determines that a student
is unable to pay, the school district may obtain payment through other
methods, including but not limited to payment plans or service within
the school in which the student is enrolled. The school district may
also refuse to allow any student who completes graduation or
continuation requirements to participate in any graduation or
continuation ceremony if the student has failed to return or replace any
such textbooks or library resources prior to the date of the graduation
or continuation ceremony.
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