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Librarians urge board to protect media centers as advocates raise concerns about special-education practices
Summary
Eleven public commenters, many library staff, urged continued funding and support for school libraries and literacy programs; one speaker accused district leaders of neglecting special-education responsibilities and asked for accountability in an employee termination matter.
During the Nov. 14 call to the public, library staff, principals and district employees made a sustained appeal for support of school libraries and media centers, emphasizing the programs' role in literacy and student engagement.
Don Richards, a longtime library specialist and former Mesa student, called libraries "a launching pad for curiosity and knowledge." Tracy Darvish, a Wilson Elementary librarian, urged the board to visit campuses and keep library positions intact amid reorganization. Several other speakers — including Nora Brady and Jasmine Montano — tied library services to third-grade reading proficiency, asking the board not to treat media centers as expendable extras.
Separately, Ray Dear spoke in support of Sheldon Dear (a security employee) and asked the board to dismiss proposed termination action, alleging procedural shortcomings at the site level and asserting community support for the employee. Another public commenter described concerns about special-education programming, late transition planning and alleged unsafe conditions in some classrooms; these claims were framed as requests for transparency and accountability rather than outcomes determined by the board.
Board members acknowledged comments and said public input will be part of ongoing district conversations; the board did not take action on personnel matters raised in public comment during the meeting.
