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The Superintendent's first witness was Dr. James Foran, Director of Curriculum for the county. After presenting his credentials at length, Dr. Foran entered into evidence copies of the county's procedures for determining curriculum materials, and for handling parent complaints about those materials. He testified that proper procedures were followed in handling the Taylor's concern about the book. Shelia Finalyson, a county English teacher with 25 years of teaching experience, testified about her use of the book in her ninth grade class at South River High School. [NOTE: Ms. Finalyson testified out of order, on Saturday, as a result of a scheduling conflict.] Ms. Finalyson said that she had not received a single complaint from a student reading the book. She was "surprised" by, and "proud" of the mature way her students eagerly and enthusiastically discussed the book. She testified that it had great literary merit, and that by reading it, her students learned about grammar and vocabulary, as well as life lessons about relationships, families, and racism. As the evening wore on, it became obvious that the hearing would have to be continued on a third date. Several school board members were irritated, saying that the evidence being presented by Mr. Burns was "irrelevant" to the case. Board member Dr. Florestino said that he did not need to come back and would not return for the final hearing session. Despite the late evening fireworks, action on the Taylor's appeal was tabled. Closing arguments were scheduled for 6:00 PM Thursday, September 3. |
A Crofton Online Editorial Reader Comments Excerpts from "Caged Bird" Analysis of the Taylor's Case Analysis of the Superintendent's Case |