Franklin County Schools plans to eliminate all librarian positions, transitioning library media coordinators into teaching roles and relying on media assistants to run libraries. This move, part of the proposed budget for 2024–25, is driven by the end of federal COVID funding, population growth, and inflation.
Superintendent Rhonda Schuhler highlighted the district’s increased budget request from the county, citing a $3.36 million boost in local funding and $1.85 million in per-pupil funding. Despite identifying over $400,000 in budget cuts, the decision faces criticism from the North Carolina Library Media Association. Franklin County Manager Kim Denton will present the proposed budget to the Board of Commissioners on May 20.
https://abc11.com/post/franklin-county-schools-end-librarian-positions-financial-challenges/14798719