Huckleberries Interviews Hazel Bauman

Jesse Tinsley/SR File Photo
In this 2002 SR file photo, Hazel Bauman, then assistant superintendent for the Coeur d’Alene School District, explains the complexities of teaching reading to state representative John Goedde during a legislative tour of Coeur d’Alene schools. Behind her is then superintendent David Rawls. Bauman, who will become the superintendent on Tuesday, married Rawls this winter.

DFO: Have you ever read “Snow Falling on Cedars”?
HB: I have.

DFO: It is, of course, one of the books that have been challenged as far as required reading goes. Do you think it and the others are appropriate reading material?
HB: The critical word is “required.” The threshold or level of controversy has to go down when you have a captive audience. A required novel where whole class is reading the book has to have less controversy and be of a different standard than a self-selected book.

Complete interview