House panel holds bill that would require districts to staff certified teacher librarians

Representative Arthur introduced HB364, which would require each local education agency or regional education service agency to staff a full-time certified teacher librarian at the district level and create 19 FTEs statewide. Arthur said the positions would support literacy programs, collection development and legal compliance for instructional materials.

Gretchen Zaitsev, district library media specialist for Canyon School District, testified that certified teacher librarians significantly increase student engagement and literacy: she told the committee that Canyon’s elementary checkouts rose by more than 46,000 in two years and that k–12 digital circulation has increased about 5,000 uses per year. Zaitsev said certified librarians deliver standards-aligned library instruction, mentor paraprofessionals and help districts meet complex policy and copyright requirements.

Committee members pressed the sponsor and witnesses on cost and implementation. Representative Peck asked whether districts would have to fire existing paraprofessionals; Arthur and Zaitsev said the bill creates district-level positions and is intended to build capacity rather than replace current staff. The sponsor repeated that an amendment ties funding to legislative appropriations and that the fiscal analyst estimated an approximate impact of $1.7–$1.8 million (19 FTEs at an average salary cited as roughly $94,000 including benefits).

Several members signaled support for the policy but raised budget and local-control concerns. Representatives argued for a phased approach or additional study to avoid unfunded mandates and to ensure smaller districts can share services through regional service agencies. Public commenters from the Utah Library Association, the Utah Education Association and multiple school librarians urged a yes vote, citing research and local program results; one citizen urged a no vote citing opposition to mandates.

After extended debate about funding sources, local authority and implementation timelines, Representative McPherson moved to hold the bill for further study. The committee voted by roll call to hold HB364; the motion carried unanimously. The sponsor said she would continue to work with members on funding and operational details.