MI SB0742

Requires school districts and public school academies to employ certified school librarians beginning with the 2024-2025 school year: at least one half-time librarian for schools with fewer than 300 pupils, one full-time librarian for schools with 300-1,499 pupils, and two full-time librarians for schools with 1,500 or more pupils.

School districts and academies with fewer than 51 pupils enrolled may apply for an automatic waiver from the requirement, while those with 51 or more pupils may apply for a discretionary waiver from the department.

Certified school librarians must collaborate with classroom teachers and administrators to provide literacy instruction and ensure grade-level reading proficiency, and must integrate information, technology, and research skills with school curriculum to meet state standards.

Defines "certified school librarian" as a certificated teacher with an ND school librarian endorsement issued by the department, or until 2026, a certificated teacher in the process of obtaining such an endorsement.

Bill takes effect only if Senate Bills 741 and 743 of the 102nd Legislature are also enacted into law.