INTRODUCTION

This webpage provides a comprehensive overview of our current initiatives and future aspirations under the Wisconsin Digital Learning Plan & Future Ready Librarian Framework. Our commitment to these frameworks is a testament to our dedication to creating a dynamic, inclusive, and forward-thinking library environment that supports our students, faculty, and the wider community.

Currently, we are focusing on two critical areas for our 3-year cycle: Cultivating Community Partnerships and Curating Digital Resources and Tools. These areas represent the core gears that drive our library's mission towards enhancing educational experiences and fostering lifelong learning.

In Cultivating Community Partnerships, we are dedicated to building and nurturing relationships with various stakeholders in our community. This includes partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions, and organizations, all working together to enrich our library services and create a vibrant culture of reading and learning.

In the realm of Curating Digital Resources and Tools, our goal is to lead in the selection, integration, and organization of digital resources. This ensures that our students and faculty have access to the best tools and information, supporting transformative teaching and learning, and developing essential digital literacy skills.

We invite you to explore this plan to understand better how the Johnson Creek School District Libraries are evolving to meet the challenges of the 21st century. We are excited about the journey ahead and the opportunities that these focal areas present.

For any inquiries or further discussion about our Library Plan, please feel free to reach out to our dedicated Library Administrator, Matthew Cheek, at cheekm@johnsoncreekschools.org.

LIBRARY PROGRAM ANALYSIS

Johnson Creek School District is deeply committed to ensuring that our libraries serve as hubs of learner-centered literacy. This dedication is reflected in the intentional design of literacy programs that cater to the wide-ranging needs of our student population. Our Library staff, integral to this mission, create welcoming spaces where reading comes alive through culturally resonant read-alouds, literacy and reading events, and a vibrant Makerspace that kindles creativity and self-expression.

Our approach to curating the library collection is rooted in inclusivity. We select books and materials that reflect the myriad cultural, social, and personal narratives of our students, ensuring that every child can find both mirrors to reflect their own experiences and windows into the worlds of others. This careful curation is aimed at nurturing empathy, promoting understanding, and expanding worldviews.

By prioritizing these initiatives, our district is not just promoting literacy; we are laying the groundwork for our students to develop critical thinking skills that will serve them well beyond their time in our schools. Our libraries are more than mere repositories of knowledge; they are vibrant, inclusive centers of learning that advocate for equity, celebrate diversity, and are dedicated to developing informed, reflective, and active members of society. Below is analysis of our current libraries practices as they fit into the Future Ready Librarian Framework.

BUDGET

The School District of Johnson Creek's budget plan for the library is meticulously crafted to align with both the Future Ready Framework and the stipulations of the Wisconsin Common School Funds. The fund's emphasis on enhancing school library programs is reflected in our strategic purchases. Subscriptions to platforms like BrainPop and PebbleGo bolster our Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment efforts by providing diverse, curriculum-aligned resources that support differentiated instruction. The addition of Sora's digital library and a selection of new books for general circulation directly uplifts our Learner-Centered Literacy commitment by expanding students' access to a wide range of reading materials.

Our investment in makerspace resources represents an initiative under the Use of Space & Time wedge, fostering a collaborative and innovative learning environment. The purchase of Chromebooks and their associated cases and chargers supports the Robust Infrastructure wedge, ensuring students have the necessary tools for digital learning. Each budget decision upholds the Future Ready Framework's vision by strengthening our technological infrastructure, enriching the library's resource diversity, and promoting a culture of continuous learning and innovation, all while complying with the guidelines set forth by the Common School Funds.

POLICIES

The School District of Johnson Creek's materials selection policy aims to provide instructional resources that enhance and support the educational program, accommodating a wide range of abilities and viewpoints. The district entrusts the responsibility of material selection to professionally trained personnel, who adhere to established criteria and selection procedures. These criteria prioritize educational significance, curricular contribution, and diversity of perspectives.

An ongoing process, selection involves continuous review, consultation, and input from staff and community members, ensuring materials remain current and relevant. Gifted materials are welcomed, subject to the same evaluative criteria as purchased resources.

In case of challenges to selected materials, a structured reconsideration process is in place, reflecting the district's commitment to intellectual freedom and non-discrimination in educational resources​​​.

Resources & Legislation

Wisconsin Administrative Code PI8.01(2)(h) Library Media Services

(h) Library media services. Each school district board shall:

1. Have on file a written, long-range plan for library services development which has been formulated by teachers, library and audiovisual personnel and administrators, and approved by the school district board.

2. Designate a licensed library media person to direct and coordinate the district's library media program.

3. Provide library facilities within the school building and make available to all pupils a current, balanced collection of books, basic reference materials, texts, periodicals, and audiovisual materials which depicts in an accurate and unbiased way the cultural diversity and pluralistic nature of American society.

4. Provide library media services to all pupils as follows: to pupils in grades kindergarten through 6, library media services which are performed by or under the direction of licensed library and audiovisual personnel; and to pupils in grades 7 through 12, library media services which are performed by licensed library and audiovisual personnel.

Wisconsin Statute 43.70 Common School Fund

(1)  No later than October 15 of each year, each school district administrator shall certify to the state superintendent, on forms provided by the state superintendent, a report of the number of persons residing in the school district on the preceding June 30, as reported under s. 120.18 (1) (a).

(2) Annually by January 10, the state superintendent shall apportion the amount that is estimated to be appropriated under s. 20.255 (2) (s) in the current school year to the school districts in proportion to the number of persons resident therein, as shown by the report certified under sub. (1).

(3) Immediately upon making such apportionment, the state superintendent shall certify to the department of administration the estimated amount that each school district is entitled to receive under this section and shall notify each school district administrator of the estimated amount so certified for his or her school district. The department of administration shall distribute each school district's aid entitlement in one payment on or before May 1. The amount paid to each school district shall be based upon the amount in the appropriation account under s. 20.255 (2) (s) on April 15. Moneys distributed under this section may be expended only for the purchase of instructional materials from the state historical society for use in teaching Wisconsin history and for the purchase of library books and other instructional materials for school libraries, but not for public library facilities operated by school districts under s. 43.52, in accordance with rules promulgated by the state superintendent. In addition, a school district may use the moneys received under this section to purchase school library computers and related software if the school board consults with the person who supervises the school district's libraries and the computers and software are housed in the school library. Appropriate records of all purchases under this section shall be kept and necessary reports thereon shall be made to the state superintendent.

Board Approved on 02/19/2024