HI HR187

Requests the Department of Education to report on the status of school librarian positions at each of the 255 public schools, noting that only 172 certified librarians currently serve these schools.

Requires the DOE report to include detailed information on whether each school has a library, staffing levels (M.L.S. librarians, teacher librarians, and clerical staff), library material budgets, and student populations for 2013-2014.

Directs the Department of Education to submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2015 Regular Session convenes.

Requests the Board of Education adopt a Weighted Student Formula that reserves funding for at least one qualified M.L.S. librarian at each public school or allocate such funding outside the formula.

Requests the Board of Education establish a base funding amount for library materials at each school, followed by additional per-pupil allocation to school libraries.