Over the past 20 years, Houston ISD has allowed principals to remove libraries and librarians from their schools. As a result, at least 95 schools - almost all in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods - have lost these essential educational resources. That means that children have lost access to resources to improve literacy, to learn how to navigate the information world, and explore the world beyond the classroom.
This year, our new Superintendent, Millard House, is requiring every HISD school to have a library and a librarian or media specialist.
This is a very encouraging step, as many studies have shown that well-resourced school libraries improve student achievement. All of the 28 school districts that surround HISD have fully staffed libraries in every school.
We want to take a moment to thank HISD’s trustees and who our support for their decision to restore Houston’s school libraries.
Please join parents, teachers, and students throughout the city and thank our HISD trustees for their courage and leadership on this important issue.