[LM_NET] TARGET: Uncertified staff in the media center

[Nancy Collins <collinsn@FVL.K12.MI.US>]

Hi All - My district is currently looking at Phase 1 of three potential phases of 
budget cuts.  While media specialists have been spared during Phase 1 (we have four 
media specialists K-12, one at each building in our district), all signs point to 
us being on the list for Phase 2 reductions.  My parapro is on the Phase 1 list.  
At any rate, I'm attempting to be proactive in these tough financial times but 
looking for practical items that I may use to justify our positions, if needed.  
One conception we have always carried is that if the media centers were staffed by 
parapros and not certified media specialists, students would be unable to use the 
media center without a teacher (i.e., coming the media center on a pass to work 
would not be allowed) because of the liability potential.  It is our understanding 
that students should not be monitored solely by a parapro or other non-certified 
staff during the school day.  I'm wondering if we are off base with this assumption 
and how other districts who do have media centers staffed by non-teaching personnel 
handle these situations.  I already have lots of information about the importance 
of having a certified media specialist in the building and access to studies 
showing the impact of that, but when push comes to shove I may need to take a more 
practical approach and relate the simple logistical difficulties of the school day 
without a certified person in the media center.  Thanks for any information you can 
offer!
 
 
Nancy Collins
Media Specialist
Fowlerville High School
Fowlerville, Michigan
517.223.6066
 
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