in high school English studies, after a group of parents protested the contents of these books. The seven books were: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein; The Working Poor: Invisible in America by David K. Shipler; Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse; The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie; An Abundance of Katherines by John Green; The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls; and Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison. Superintendent Orr eventually reversed the decision to suspend the books, stating in an email to parents, "I made the decision in an attempt to de-escalate the conflict, and I readily admit that it had the opposite effect. I take full responsibility for the decision, and I apologize for the disruption it has caused." He would retire shortly after the controversy ended. In 2015, a $361.4 million bond package passed board approval and a citizens' vote. The package allowed for major renovations to all six existing campuses; the addition of a parking garage at Highland Park Middle School; the addition of new surface parking at Highland Park High School; the demolition of the high school's natatorium; and renovations to the Seay Tennis Center, the Multi-Use Building, and Highlander Stadium. Stantec Inc. and Balfour Beatty Construction were eventually hired to oversee most of the design and construction that ensued. In February 2016, the District sold $225 million in bonds with a 20-year amortization at an interest rate of 2.95%—lower than had been originally expected. Tax rates naturally increased within the District to cover the additional costs. Leadership School Board The District is run by a seven-member school board of trustees who are elected to three-year terms each May. Superintendent The school board works with a paid superintendent. From 1914–2017, HPISD has been led by eight superintendents as follows: Dr. William Buell Irvin Dr. William Buell Irvin served as assistant superintendent from 1944-1945 until taking the job over upon Superintendent Gable's retirement. Dr. Irvin retired in 1954; although he intended to retire earlier (in 1951), the fire at Armstrong Elementary made him feel he should stay on until the school was rebuilt. Frank Monroe The Victory Apple still continues to this day; at pep rallies on the mornings of football games, the football coaching staff hand out free apples to the players and student body. He retired in 1974 after 20 years of service. Dr. Dawson Orr Dr.