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Librarians, teachers and counselors urge Sweetwater board to restore full‑time credentialed librarians
Summary
A series of public commenters — teacher librarians, counselors and longtime teachers — told the board that part‑time librarian allocations erode equity and student access, urged use of available state budget lines, and cited local usage metrics and program examples.
Dozens of public commenters at the Feb. 9 meeting urged the Sweetwater Union High School District board to restore full‑time credentialed school librarians.
Lucy Ugarte of the Sweetwater Education Association pointed to state budget lines included in the governor’s proposed budget that she said amount to $23,930,000 for the district in specific categories and asked trustees to investigate whether those funds could help make librarians full time. Teacher librarians and teachers who spoke at the meeting described libraries as learning hubs, equity supports and essential spaces for students.
"A school library is not just a place for books. It's a learning hub," said Sylvia McBride, a teacher librarian at Otay Ranch High School, stressing that part‑time allocations limit instruction, research support and consistent access. Gina Vatuani, a librarian at Mar Vista Academy, shared usage metrics — class visits, checkouts and lunchtime library use — to illustrate high student reliance on library services.
Speakers cited operational problems when positions were reduced to halftime in 2020, described the workload of librarians who also manage compliance, devices and materials, and urged the board to use FTE allocations to restore staffing. Camille Gonzalez, an Eastlake Middle School librarian with 23 years in the district, warned that credentialed librarians must be accessible all day to provide research instruction and support students with disabilities and other needs.
Trustees acknowledged the comments during board questions and remarks and thanked speakers for attending. The public testimony focused on staffing, equity and program continuity rather than a single budget line item; several speakers asked the board and administration to report back on whether LCAP or state proposals could fund restored positions.
