Despite valiant pleas by educators and librarians alike, the superintendent of Franklin County Schools said the decision to remove librarians from libraries is final, pending approval from the county commissioners next week.

What You Need To Know

Franklin Co. Schools Board of Education moves forward with a plan to remove librarians from libraries for next school year

Superintendent cites lack of funding as the reason why

Librarians from in and outside the county attended the meeting on Monday evening

A petition with nearly 800 signatures in support of keeping librarians in their current roles was presented to the board last night

Citing a lack of funding after losing COVID-19 relief money, Dr. Rhonda Schuler said tough decisions must be made, including reallocating certain positions. In a previously written statement, Schuler said the budget would be tight for the upcoming school year because of the loss of $30 million in Esser Relief funding during the pandemic.

The region three director for the North Carolina School Library Media Association tried to give the superintendent the benefit of the doubt before the meeting but made it clear that the decision to remove librarians from the classroom must change.

“What we’re hoping to convey tonight is, you know, it’s not too late. Franklin County Schools can reevaluate this decision and make sure that they put the certified full-time librarians back into the position across Franklin County Schools,” Chris Tuttell said.

Tuttell, along with several other librarians from outside the school district, handed a petition with nearly 800 signatures to the superintendent. “I made a copy for each board member and the superintendent,” he said.

Schuler said they cut more than $400,000 in the budget plan that included restructuring the roles of librarians. Tuttell said including librarians in these cuts devalues their relationship to the students.

“As a school librarian, I am in contact with kids throughout their career in the building,” Tuttell said.

Schuler wrote in a statement, which you can read in its entirety below, to parents and faculty last month, “After careful consideration, I am transferring our media coordinators into classroom vacancies next year.” She also cited the loss of COVID-19 relief funding.

In an effort to change the decision, librarians filed in one-by-one to speak their minds at Monday’s meeting.

“Librarians provide invaluable support to both students and teachers. We are not just keepers of books. We are educators, mentors and guides who play a crucial role in fostering a love for learning and literacy in our students,” Laura Aldridge said.

But while each librarian was given a chance to speak, Schuler made her decision clear.

“I do appreciate your advocacy and your passion, but I want you all to understand that the decision to shift our librarians into other positions for next year has already been made,” Schuler said as she read a prepared statement.

Even as reality sank in, Kathryn Tharrington shared her love of being a librarian after the meeting.

“Those moments where they find a book they love or where they are very successful in their stem activity. Those are the things that I love about my job,” Tharrington said.

While all librarians have the option of remaining with the district in another capacity, some say they will pursue opportunities elsewhere.

Tharrington said she may be one of them. 

The Bunn Elementary School librarian said what broke her heart the most are the kids who handed her gifts at the end of Teacher Appreciation Week last Friday. Tharrington wondered aloud about what it will be like for her and them not to see each other next year.

“And all I could think, like I had a grandma came up to me Friday and after her granddaughter handed me her gift, she’s like, ‘You’re one of her favorites.’ And all I could think was, ‘What’s she going to do next year in library?’” Tharrington said.

The superintendent says there are no plans to close school libraries, and there will still be library time, book checkouts and stem activities with the help of a media assistant. 

The budget proposal will be presented to the county commissioners next week. The superintendent says this is when a request for more funding will also be made.