We feel this decision does not represent the district's vision to Empower Excellence Through Education. If this category of instructors is removed from the district, it will be very difficult to turn back if the action is found to have a negative impact on the children. Research shows that certified media specialists have a significant impact on student achievement. Furthermore, staff consistency is proven to impact student performance. Children in elementary schools are setting the stage for lifelong literacy, librarians with degrees in education have the knowledge base and training to give specialized guidance in this area. Also, someone who is trained and up to date in current research methods and sources is an indispensable tool for students in this media driven society. We believe that Certified Media Specialists directly influence our children's drive to read and learn inside and outside of the library. Additionally, according to the State Library, "they are literacy leaders for students and staff alike."

We need to keep Certified Media Specialists in our schools and find other ways to trim the budget in areas that do not have such a direct impact on the students themselves.