Southbridge School Library Has Had No Book Budget Since 2023 Grant

School Committee · Meeting of March 10, 2026

Southbridge School Committee learns its elementary school library has received no book budget since a 2023 grant and that 85 percent of its collection is outdated. Library media teacher Jennifer Ladner told the committee Tuesday that the Eastford Road School library's average collection date is 1997, that it falls below the state-recommended 20 items per student, and that a grant of approximately $8,000 to $10,000 in 2023 was the last funding she received, prompting member Martina Shea to call the science and technology holdings "totally unacceptable." Receiver Bill Metzger announced the district has received approval to enter phase three of its DESE turnaround process following a Friday meeting with Education Commissioner Martinez, and interim Business Manager Matt Rabideau warned that fiscal year 2027 Chapter 70 increases are "not keeping pace with the cost of operations," putting the district on track for a reduction in force. Virtual mental health provider Cartwheel reported 2,622 total sessions since the partnership began, with students showing a four-point average improvement on the PHQ-9 depression scale after at least 90 days of care, and the district on pace to double the number of student referrals compared to this point last year.

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Source: the School Committee meeting of March 10, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.