Pink-slipped or want to support others?

About

Who created this website?

Hi, my name is Suzanne Sannwald and I have been the Teacher Librarian at West Hills since 2014, but my time in GUHSD goes back to 2000 when I was a student teacher at Valhalla earning a single subject teaching credential in both English and mathematics.

My entry into the library world started in 2002 at El Capitan, where I worked as a classified Library Technician until moving to the Mollison Complex as the Supervisor of Library & Media Services in 2005. I served in that capacity until 2012, when I was pink-slipped and laid off. I was grateful to return to GUHSD in 2014 when I was hired for my current library position.

On a personal note, my husband is a Monte Vista alum, my niece (unofficial first kid) attended Steele Canyon, my son attends El Capitan, and my daughter plans to start West Hills next year. We are deeply invested in the GUHSD community!

How did this site come about?

This site came to life in a matter of days.

Thursday, March 7, 2024 - All district staff email "Important Message" from Mary Beth Kastan regarding anticipated layoffs.
Friday, March 8, 2024 - Resolution No. (2024-25) [original copy not available but FTE amounts matched those on revised copy ] & Resolution No. (2024-26) posted in 3/12/24 Board Meeting Agenda; however, it was unclear exactly which departments and people would be affected.
Monday, March 11, 2024 -
- Revised copies posted in 3/12/24 Board Meeting Agenda for Resolution No. (2024-25) & Resolution No. (2024-26).
- I received confirmation that proposed cuts included the entire GUHSDtech team that I regularly collaborate with regarding instructional use of technology. Technically sent right after midnight, I emailed the GUHSD Governing Board, Superintendent Kastan, & Assistant Superintendent Kastan regarding the critical services of GUHSDtech.
Tuesday, March 12, 2024 - The GUHSD Governing Board voted 3-2 to approve the pink slips.
Thursday, March 14, 2024 - As I continued to learn about more critical programs, positions, and people affected by pink-slipping, I was overwhelmed. Since I could not write emails similar to my GUHSDtech one for all of them, this inspired me to created the "Recognizing the Work of Our GUHSD People" form that night.
Friday, March 15, 2024 - I shared the form, posting on Facebook.
Saturday, March 16, 2024 - After sharing the form, I started receiving messages from people affected by pink-slipping, and so I couldn't help but start this website immediately. It was certainly not "done" when launching, but I want information to get out as quickly as possible.
Sunday, March 17, 2024 - I shared the work-in-progess website on Facebook for general access to view.
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 - I emailed the website link to GUHSD Governing Board and Cabinet Members to share information.
Thursday, April 25, 2024 - I shared the website link in a public comment at the Governing Board meeting.

A quick plug for school libraries and teacher librarians...

If you ever hear people talk about how school libraries and teacher librarians are no longer necessary due to technology, this personal project is an extension of the type of work that GUHSD Teacher Librarians regularly do for our students and teachers. Here are some library-related work projects to browse for fun:

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