D.C. School Reform Spares Librarians,
Library Aides—for Now
By the time school begins September 1, school officials in the District of Columbia may be looking at library aides and second librarians in the public schools with an eye toward downsizing. For now, however, school libraries have been spared in the massive overhaul of the District of Columbia Public Schools being implemented by D.C. School Superintendent Arlene Ackerman.
Earlier this summer, Ackerman fired more than 600 administrative staff members and other employees in an effort to close a $62-million budget deficit for the 1997-98 year. She has also begun replacing more than 20 principals and is dismissing employees whose performances are deemed substandard.
School spokesperson Beverly Lofton told American Libraries that the budget gap had been closed. "Some layoffs are still going on," she said, "but they are not affecting librarians. One of the items that was on the table was librarians, but that has been shelved, although it may be looked at again in September."
Posted August 3, 1998.
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