JCBE/POLICY FILE: 347.1

Approved: 5/15/75

Revised: 12/16/76

Revised: 3/25/82

Revised: 11/17/87

TEXTBOOKS

It is the desire of the Board that all resources used by the school system have instructional value compatible with excellence in education. Consequently, all textbooks used by Jefferson County schools must be approved by the Board.

In granting such approval, it shall be the policy of the Board to consider the students' right to learn in an atmosphere of academic freedom and their need to utilize resources which effectively portray the pluralistic nature of cur society.

With these criteria as guidelines, the Board shall consider for approval textbooks recommended for adoption by the Superintendent and the Textbook Selection Committee. A multiple textbook approach will be used where appropriate and feasible.

Textbooks purchased by the state will be available for student use. All such textbooks furnished free of charge to students shall remain the property of the state or of the Jefferson County school system. In accordance with state law, the following regulations must be observed by students who receive free state textbooks:

A receipt shall be required from each student, parent or guardian upon issuance of any textbook, and said receipt shall be retained until the return of such textbook. At the completion of each course of study or otherwise at the instructions of the principal or teacher in charge, such textbooks shall be returned as directed.

THE PARENT, GUARDIAN OR OTHER PERSON HAVING CUSTODY OF A CHILD TO WHOM SUCH TEXTBOOKS ARE ISSUED SHALL BE HELD LIABLE F0R ANY LOSS, ABUSE OR DAMAGE IN EXCESS OF THAT WHICH WOULD RESULT FROM THE N0RMAL USE OF SUCH TEXTB0OKS.

The Board of Education may waive the payment as provided herein if, in its judgment, the respective parent or guardian is not financially able to make such payment; provided, however, the local system shall contribute from local funds sums equal to the amount so waived. (Act 221, Section 25, Special Session Alabama Legislature, 1965)