A group of library support specialists are raising the alarm, saying nearly 100 of them are at risk of losing their jobs.
In a statement on social media, Library Support Specialists (LSS) of the HRCE say it was earlier this month that Halifax Council voted to stop putting funding into the Supplementary Education Fund.
LSS are supported through this fund that is collected through property taxes. Something that has been in place since amalgamation in 1996 and adjusted as required.
“This means that, across HRCE, 98 school librarians’ jobs are at risk as of April 1. These 98 professional librarians work in 136 schools and support 60,000 students from Pre-Primary to Grade 12,” says the group.
LSS adds that school libraries are where children spend a large part of their day over 14 years, staffed by “trusted professionals” who want to help kids succeed.
“School librarians provide a constant relationship and reference point for students as they move from one grade to the next and tailor recommendations and resources according to the needs and interests of our young people,” says LSS.
In emailed statement to our newsroom, the office of Mayor Andy Fillmore says they will decline to comment considering the negotiations with the province are ongoing.
Meantime, the group has planned an emergency rally at Grand Parade from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
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