In a late-night move that has stoked the ire of parents, the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District, the third-largest district in Texas, confirmed the axing of 50 librarian jobs via email. The laid-off employees were blindsided by the unexpected news which spread quickly after the email was sent post-business hours. "Thank you for your service as a campus librarian. This email is to share that you have not been selected as a CFISD district librarian," wrote Assistant Superintendent Linda Macias, as noted in a report by the Houston Chronicle.
According to the KHOU 11, the district is grappling with a daunting budget crisis, necessitating cuts of $138 million. The superintendent's message conveyed that the drastic shortfall was the result of decreased student attendance, and the end of federal stimulus funding, among other pressures. The budget upheaval has prompted the spawning of a Facebook support group created by parent Ashley Buckner, who was, "shocked" by the news. The group, CFISD Parents for Librarians, has rallied over 5,300 members in a bid to fight the decision.
The affected librarians, some hesitant to speak on record for fear of reprisal, found themselves on an excess list; a form of standby for future openings which might arise within the district teaching staff. Some, however have taken to protest, and plan to make their voices heard at an upcoming board workshop where the 2024-2025 preliminary budget will be discussed.
Buckner, the parent spearheading the advocacy for librarian jobs in Cy-Fair ISD, expressed her dismay at the district's decision-making process, asserting that district Superintendent Douglas Killian has lost "integrity" and "credibility," according to the Houston Chronicle. "It's kind of like I picked up a rock and found all the worms underneath it. And I can't — I can’t put that rock back down," Buckner said. She and other parents aim to present a "unified message" during the board workshop, signaling their increased vigilance and engagement with the district’s fiscal management and priorities.
Amidst the emotional and financial tumult, some have cast a critical eye on state leadership, including Governor Greg Abbott, for not ramping up per-student funding, which has remained unchanged since 2019 and sits below the national average by about $4,000 per student. As yet, the district and those bearing the brunt of its economic decisions await meaningful answers and solutions, as the specter of further cuts looms on the horizon if the financial predicament remains unresolved.
