L.A. Schools May Slash Library Hours

According to a preliminary budget released in April, the reduced work hours for library aides will trim $8 million off a projected $400 million budget deficit in the 2003–2004 school year.

Bonnie Nissman, LAUSD's supervisor of library services, warns that the move will have a significant negative impact on student achievement. "We are fighting these cuts in many ways, with letters, faxes, and speeches to the board, and ongoing education of the board about the importance of school libraries," she says, adding that she'll also enlist the help of parents and students.

The latest LAUSD cuts reflect a continuing problem for California school libraries, which have seen their funding reduced by as much as 80 percent (see November 2002, News , p. 21). LAUSD, the nation's second largest school district, already cut $440 million for this fiscal year, despite the fact that the student population is expected to grow by 10,000 to about 756,800 in 2003–2004. The April budget also proposes cutting 200 guidance counselors and reducing school nursing services.

The board's deadline for adopting a provisional FY 2003–2004 budget is June 25, at which time the state will present its own proposals for cuts.