In Houston Independent School District (HISD), many schools have lost their full-time librarians due to budget cuts, a move that critics argue exacerbates educational disparities, particularly in high-poverty areas. Former librarian Brandie Dowda highlights that librarians previously supported students with reading, STEM projects, and Spanish books, but their absence may negatively impact students and communities. A map created with census data shows that schools lacking full-time librarians are predominantly in high-poverty areas.
HISD Schools in High Poverty Areas are Less Likely to Have a Librarian, Data Shows
Updated on September 6, 2024