Concern spreads about state budget cuts

"Lindhurst fights to save its librarian." Copies of that column, written by a Lindhurst High School senior a week ago, could be found on a table in the Marysville High School library and in the hands of a few busy students leaving the library.

David Joyner, the credential teacher-librarian at MHS, printed out numerous copies of the column to spread the word about the possible consequences of a suffering state budget. He hoped to raise awareness about the problems with cutting teacher and staff positions in local schools.

"This isn't about me; this is about the students. I've been here 20 years, and I know how these things go," said Joyner. "I am disheartened by what potentially may happen for the libraries of each school by cutting the other school's librarian."

Joyner believes that if Lindhurst's librarian gets cut, he will have to spend part of his day at that school to insure that LHS has an open library. "There are plenty of things to blame for this, but that's not the way I'm going," he said. However, this poses many problems for the students and faculty of Marysville High.

Cory Foster, a senior, is Joyner's assistant during fifth period. "Things aren't going to get done as fast," Cory said. "Students rely on this library, for a lot of reasons. The school won't function the same (without it). During lunch, this is where a lot of people hang out; I come here at lunch," he explained. "It's quiet, and you can get work done. If Mr. Joyner has to split his time, students will have to find empty classrooms to hang out in. The teachers will have to find somewhere else to send kids. They will all have to schedule to his schedule. It would be a real inconvenience for everyone at this school."

Estela Cortez and Curtis Henderson, both juniors, were in the library for a research project for their English class. Both students expressed concern about the future and finishing school work without a commonly open library.

"It's not fair, definitely, to the students," said Estela. "If he (Joyner) is gone half of the day, no one can be here to finish projects. It will be a definite inconvenience. I mean, I have to come in here to check college things. I came here a lot after school to study for the SAT. And if I have to write an essay, I'm here at lunch."

"I have to come here to work on class projects, either research or typing," explained Curtis. "And I know seniors need the library for resources."

Students and staff of all local schools are experiencing problems due to budget cuts. What all must focus on is finding an efficient way to solve these problems to continue giving education to the young.

Chynna Martinez is a senior at Marysville High School. This is her final column for Education.