Policy Formation Project

TE 875
Jamie Gruntorad

Lexington Public School Mission Statement

To develop capable and responsible lifelong learners. With the cooperation of family, school,
and community, we will prepare students for the global challenges and the opportunities of the
future (Lexington Public Schools, 2008).

Lexington Public Schools Library Mission Statement

To provide an optimal learning environment that promotes reading for enjoyment and supports
the development of information-literate students and staff who can competently access, evaluate,
and ethically use information from a variety of resources.

American Association of School Librarians (AASL) National School

Library Standards
The LPS library program is committed to helping students gain information literacy skills
necessary for them to become capable, ethical global citizens. “The AASL Standards framework
reflects a comprehensive approach to teaching and learning by demonstrating the connection
between learner, school librarian, and school library standards.” The following reflects the
shared foundations and key commitments within the framework:

I. INQUIRE: Build new knowledge by inquiring, thinking critically,

identifying problems, and developing strategies for solving problems.
II. INCLUDE:  Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to
inclusiveness and respect for diversity in the learning community.
III. COLLABORATE:  Work effectively with others to broaden
perspectives and work toward common goals. 
IV. CURATE:  Make meaning for oneself and others by collecting, organizing, and sharing
resources of personal relevance.
V. EXPLORE:  Discover and innovate in a growth mindset developed
through experience and reflection.
VI. ENGAGE:  Demonstrate safe, legal, and ethical creating and
sharing of knowledge products independently while engaging in a community of practice
and an interconnected world (AASL, 2018). 

CIRCULATION/ACCESS POLICY

The Sandoz Elementary School library program serves as a point of access to information and
ideas. It also provides a place to discover, investigate, and apply critical thinking and problem-
solving skills needed in an information-dependent society.

Circulation of library media materials is encouraged. Circulation systems and reporting systems
protect the privacy of users.
PROCEDURES

 The loan period for circulating books is 14 days.

 Students may independently check books in and out using self check-out.
 A maximum of two books may be borrowed at a time.
 Books may be renewed if needed. The book needs to be brought into the library to be
renewed.
 High-demand books will be limited to a check out time of 14 days.
 Student patrons will not have access to reserving books.
 Teachers may check out any number of books for as long as they need them.
 DVDs are for teacher check-out only.
 Overdue notices will be distributed to the students on a monthly basis. No lists of
overdue materials will be made to the public.
 Fines will not be collected for overdue books.

DAMAGED AND LOST MATERIALS

 Damaged books should be brought to the library for assessment and repair.
 If a book is damaged (not repairable) or lost, a notice will be sent to the parents with the
price of the book.
 The replacement book will be purchased by the school, not by the student or parent.
 The charge for the book will be the average replacement cost. If the book is out of print,
a close replacement will be chosen.
 Payments can be made by cash or check and receipted. Money will be deposited into the
library account by the business office assistant.
 Students will be allowed to check out only one book until the book is paid for.
 If the lost book is found, a refund will be issued.

TECHNOLOGY USE POLICY

In the Lexington school district, all students are 1:1 with iPads. In the Sandoz Elementary
library, iPads are brought in from the classroom when they are needed for a library lesson or
activity.

WHILE IN THE LIBRARY

 Students will carry the iPad in a safe manner into the library.
 Students will not turn on the iPad until directions have been stated.
 Students will only go to assigned sites.
 No photos will be taken in the library unless it is a class activity that involves photos.
 Students will not video other students.
 Students will complete their own work.
 Students will not use the Internet to search for material that is inappropriate for school.
 Students will close all apps and return the iPad to its original condition when finished.
 PLAN FOR ADOPTION OF POLICY

ADOPTION

 The policies will be presented to the Curriculum Director of Lexington Public

Schools for approval.
 The policies will be presented to the curriculum committee of the School Board
of Lexington Public Schools District #1 for consideration.
 With Board approval, the policies will be formally adopted by the district and
recorded as official board policy in the School Board meeting minutes.

IMPLEMENTATION

 Following School Board approval, a meeting will be called for certified library
personnel to discuss implementation procedures for any changed items from
previously existing policy.

COMMNICATION OF POLICIES/REVISIONS TO STAFF

 At the building level, the school librarian will communicate policy changes to
classified library staff.
 Policy changes will be shared with remaining school staff at the next month’s
building-level faculty meeting.
 Student patrons will also be informed of changes that directly affect their school
library use.

TIMELINE
 Second Friday of the month (Curriculum Director): Policy Consideration
  Second Monday of the month (School Board Meeting): Board Vote
 If changes are warranted at the time of review, the procedure outlined above will
again be implemented.
 The policies will be reviewed by certified library personnel every three years, or
sooner if circumstances indicate the necessity.

References

American Association of School Librarians (2018).  National school library standards for

learners, school librarians, and school libraries.  Chicago, IL: ALA Editions.

Deep Springs Elementary Library Circulation Policy. (2013). Retrieved October 14, 2020, from
https://www.fcps.net/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?
moduleinstanceid=19150&dataid=16673&FileName=Library%20Circulation
%20Policy.pdf

Lexington Public School Libraries. (2020). Collection Development Policy.

Lexington Public Schools. (2020). PK-5 Technology Guidance Document.

Turner, R. (2006). The School Library Policy: The Foundation for a Professional School Library
Service. School Libraries Worldwide, 12(1), January, 59-69.