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Parents and staff warn board that cuts to library and health staffing would harm students
Summary
During public comment, a parent and a union representative urged the board to preserve full-time library/media specialists and deans; an emailed public commenter warned that cutting nursing staff and removing the director of health risks compliance and student safety.
Speakers during the meeting’s public comment period urged the Beloit School District board to reconsider proposed staffing reductions in libraries and health services.
Lauren Burner described classroom work with fifth graders and said students told her the library was “the best place in the world.” She warned that reducing media specialists to half‑time would likely close library spaces for significant parts of the week, curtailing student access to technology and instruction. "When we talk about reducing librarian staff to 0.5 per building, we're talking about giving up pieces of what makes the school meaningful for students," she said.
Speaking on behalf of the “Boy Education Association,” James thanked the board for addressing budget challenges but urged a prompt budget decision so staff can plan. He asked the board to maintain elementary deans, arguing they support discipline, school culture and teachers’ ability to focus on instruction. He also echoed concerns about reductions in media specialists and asked how elementary teachers’ prep time would be covered if those positions are cut.
An email read into the record from Emily asked the board to reconsider proposals to reduce the district to three nurses and to remove the director of health without naming a replacement coordinator role. The email warned that removing the director would reduce oversight of nurses and HRAs, risk inconsistent practices across buildings and could jeopardize compliance with state and federal rules.
Board members acknowledged the tradeoffs between preserving services and balancing a difficult budget. Several members said they value library staff and school health services and requested more detail on how reduced positions would be covered if cuts proceed. Dr. Anderson responded that restoring positions would require either cutting elsewhere or using one‑time reserve funds.
The discussion did not produce a binding decision on staffing; board members asked administration to provide more detailed plans ahead of the next meeting.
