CYPRESS, Texas — Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District is dealing with budget problems which has led it to make significant changes among its staff members.
CFISD said it's chopping its librarian staff in half -- from 92 librarians to 42.
"Due to a projected $138 million deficit for the 2024-2025 school year, the plan includes a reduction from 92 Campus Librarians to 42 District Librarians," the district said in a statement.
The district said the shortfall was due to various reasons, including the pandemic and inflation. It also said the state of Texas hasn't increased funding per student since 2019.
The budget shortfall has some parents concerned.
"All the librarians were told in a Zoom meeting, and in that meeting, were told the majority would be axed," President of Cypress Families for Public Schools Lesley Guilmart said.
They're worried their kids' education won't be the same without librarians.
"The library is the beating heart of the school," Guilmart said.
The district said it has to cut $68 million.
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"It's gut wrenching and there is no way they can do that," concerned parent Tara Cummings said.
The district is also cutting 320 teachers, 66 paraprofessionals and support staff, 150 district/campus level administrators and professional support staff and 60 operations and 21 maintenance positions.
"There is no way it's not going to be devastating for the next several years," Cummings said.
The school board is scheduled to have a work session later this week and a regular meeting next Monday.
Cy-Fair ISD issued this statement:
"Staff reduction is inevitable when almost 90% of the budget is allocated to personnel. Due to a projected $138 million deficit for the 2024-2025 school year, the plan includes a reduction from 92 Campus Librarians to 42 District Librarians. Additionally, district-wide, approximately 320 teachers, 66 paraprofessionals and support staff, 150 district/campus level administrators and professional support staff, and 60 operations and 21 maintenance positions are impacted by the budget reduction."