Erie district reports library staffing shortfall as book circulation drops at elementary schools

The Erie School District presented a districtwide library status report at its Committee of the Whole meeting, telling directors that circulation declined sharply at multiple elementary schools after the district moved to a budget‑neutral, rotating staffing model.

Superintendent Dr. Gibbs said the district currently has “2 librarians. We have 17 schools. We have a 15 person deficit,” and added that bringing the positions on with salary and benefits would cost “approximately $80,000 times 15… $1,200,000,” calling the investment “small” relative to literacy goals. District staff said the rotating model was intended to preserve access while keeping the plan budget neutral.

Staff reviewed a picture tour and floor plans for individual school libraries and said they are using digital platforms to expand access while reorganizing physical collections. A district librarian said Collegiate has no defined library room yet but that furniture and checkout processes are being installed and a learning resource assistant is on site weekly.

Board members pressed for more precise numbers on staff assignments and circulation declines by school. Director Nichols noted large drops at some buildings — for example Perry’s circulation fell from about 6,500 to about 2,100 — and asked for comparisons to neighboring districts. Superintendent Gibbs and staff said they will provide school‑level staffing lists and circulation breakdowns and recommended prioritizing buildings with the greatest access gaps as part of budget planning.

Next steps listed by staff include identifying high‑gap buildings for targeted support, stabilizing core library operations as schools relaunch services, and bringing student members back to the library committee to help design inviting learning spaces. The board did not vote on funding tonight; members were urged to consider the staffing request ahead of budget proposal deadlines.