San Luis Coastal Unified School District elementary school libraries restructure, causing parent complaints

Parents across San Luis Coastal Unified School District are raising concerns after learning that six full-time librarians will be split among the district's ten elementary schools next year, thanks to a $190,000 cut to the library media tech budget. While middle and high school libraries will keep their full staffing, elementary schools—where foundational reading skills are built—will see librarians stretched thin. As one parent told New Times SLO (Atascadero), libraries are "the heart of literacy," and losing dedicated staff feels like a step backward for young learners.

For families in Atascadero and the broader Central Coast, this isn't just a budget line item—it's about the daily experience of kids who rely on school libraries for books, research help, and a quiet space to discover a love of reading. With elementary librarians now expected to rotate between campuses, parents worry that students will lose consistent mentorship and access. As the district finalizes plans, many hope the school board will reconsider how to protect these essential resources.