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Calexico Unified presents library report: circulation growth and diversity goals highlighted
Summary
Assistant Superintendent Alisa Ramirez and district media specialist Carmina Ramirez told trustees the district now serves 12 library sites, has increased elementary circulation (district says it doubled in four years), eliminated late fines, uses biometric check‑in to issue cards quickly, and is aiming for roughly 30% 'diverse' titles in collections.
Calexico Unified School District staff presented the district’s annual library/media report at Monday’s board meeting, describing staffing levels, program practices and recent gains in circulation and collection diversity.
Assistant Superintendent Alisa Ramirez introduced the report and said district policy (6163.1) requires an annual program evaluation. Carmina Ramirez, district media specialist, described current staffing (12 sites with 11 library technicians and five full‑time librarians), schedules intended to make libraries accessible before school, at lunch and after school, and a program to eliminate late fees while allowing students 10‑day checkouts.
Ramirez said the district uses a biometric check‑in system that has shortened the time required to issue library cards and allowed libraries to open on the first day of school. She told the board elementary circulation has shown strong growth — the presentation noted that, on average, elementary circulation has about doubled over the last four years — and that the district has a stated goal to reach about 30% of titles classified as diverse.
The report credited a multi‑year CSLD grant and regional professional development partnerships with San Diego County and Imperial County librarians for helping the district strengthen collection development and library programming. Ramirez highlighted reading challenges, heritage‑month programming, author visits and book‑distribution efforts at secondary campuses as examples of outreach that increased student engagement.
Trustees asked for clarification on how circulation is counted; presenters said circulation equals a check‑out plus a return and that the district’s library management system provides the numbers used in the report. Trustees praised the staff for transforming library spaces and for the district librarian’s role in increasing access and programming.
The presentation concluded with a note that six of the district’s libraries operate in modular buildings while others are in permanent structures, that furniture was upgraded with ESER/CLSD funding, and that collection and facility work will be reported as part of required submissions to the California Department of Education platform.
