Protest Letter: Library Clerks

Greetings Wildcats! 

We've already had many parents respond to our news about the elimination of library clerks in the FWISD. Thank you! Your names will be added to the formal protest letter (see below). It's not to late to add your name as a supporter. Simply e-mail southhillspta@gmail.com and we'll put you on the list. Many thanks!

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To: Mr. Walter Dansby, Dr. Sylvia Reyna, Mr. Robert Ray, Mr. Hank Johnson, Mr. Sammy Monge, Mr. Joe Ralph Martinez (Board of Education Trustee), Mr. T.A. Sims (Board of Education President)

From: Concerned Parents of South Hills Elementary School

We were greatly dismayed to learn that the Fort Worth Independent School District is proposing to cut as many as 84 staff members who fill crucial support roles within our schools. These individuals are among the District’s lowest paid employees, who continue to pursue their career because it makes a positive impact on our schools and students. These cuts equate to a paltry $3.5 million “savings” toward the overall $40 million shortfall. The negative impact on our students, however, is incalculable.

We are particularly troubled by the proposal to eliminate library clerks.

Library clerks allow librarians to teach their lessons and work with students on curriculum, as well as instill a love of reading that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Without clerks to assist with circulation, shelving and other administrative tasks, librarians will have to cut some of their services to the students. Maybe less time for the Accelerated Reader program, less circulation, less library time, less research and/or curriculum lessons, less read-alouds...

Which of these services—things that directly impact students—do you propose librarians cut back on?

Other options need to be explored before steps are taken to eliminate clerks.

The lack of a library clerk would severely impact South Hills Elementary. With a student body of 800+, our librarian will spend most of her time on administrative tasks. What an absolute waste of her talent. And a terrible disservice to our students.

We strongly urge you to consider other budget cutting measures that keep our schools’ much needed support staff intact.

Respectfully,

[Names]