BMS Library Update
Dear Editor: It’s been one year since 50 Sitkans gathered on Thanksgiving weekend to write letters of support for the Blatchley Middle School library, which lost its librarian and all but closed its doors in the fall of 2018. Where did our efforts lead? Thanks to collaboration between school advocates and district administrators, the BMS library is now open six periods a day so that students can once again access books and other academic materials in addition to having a safe space for social-emotional learning.
Unfortunately, the library is still without a full time librarian, which is unlikely to change unless we can prevent further state-level budget cuts – not to mention align school funding with the present-day costs of providing a quality education in Alaska. The future of the Blatchley library remains tenuous, as do so many other important programs and resources in our public schools.
How can you help ensure a brighter future for the BMS library? Reach out to school administrators and thank them for their efforts to keep it open. Advocate for school funding when the new legislative session starts in January. Sign key ballot initiatives – there are two in the works now: 1) the Fair Share Act, which would bring our state $1 billion in much-needed revenue by ensuring Alaska receives its fair share of oil profits, and 2) the Alaska Students’ Educational Bill of Rights, which would outline standards for quality education as a starting point for school funding.
Finally, contact us. We’re looking for more families to join our active group of school advocates. We make a difference and have some fun doing it. For information, email bethshortrhoads@gmail.com or call 738-9942.
Kate Johnson
Families for Schools
