by Valerie Diggs, Director of Libraries
Chelmsford High School Learning Commons

The Harrington Elementary School Library staff swung into action. Barbara DeFreitas, the library assistant, donned her “Heloise” hat and began feverously dusting and polishing.  Displays were shined and bulletin boards checked for items left hanging by one staple, not two! The space was made as ready as possible for the big day. The weekend was all that lay between the governor’s visit becoming a reality.

School Librarian Margaret Marshall was also involved in the preparations, while excitedly notifying me of the big event. My role was undefined at first, but as the weekend wore on, I just knew I had to ask the governor a question that he could answer. A question that not only he would want to answer, but one that he could answer. That took a weekend of pondering.

When the governor did arrive, state house staffers and all, he headed directly for the library, where a class of grade three students excitedly awaited his visit.  Governor Patrick spoke with students, and helped some choose books to take home.  The topic for the day was electricity, and our governor was no stranger to the Dewey Decimal System, asking Ms. DeFreitas where to find the 500’s for books on electricity. Cameras were flashing, as the library was filled with reporters from a variety of media outlets, as well as with many town officials, including school committee representatives, our superintendent Donald Yeoman, teachers, and some of our curriculum coordinators.

The tour then took the governor to a first and second grade classroom, where he visited with students busy conducting the work of the day. Accompanying Governor Patrick was Secretary of Education, Paul Reville.  On his tours of schools with the governor, he looks at the leadership of the school and whether students are engaged. Most important, he observes the school as a parent would, to determine if it is a happy place.

The last stop of the hour was in the lobby of the Harrington Elementary School, where a press conference was held. Again, cameras whirled as the governor spoke of his recently-announced Education Reform Bill.  As stated in the bill itself, “This is a bold reform bill that provides turnaround strategies for underperforming schools, including increased access to proven charter providers. The bill also empowers districts and educators to innovate and expand best practices, and positions Massachusetts to qualify for $100 million or more of Race to the Top funds.”

The 2009 Education Reform Bill, which Patrick signed Jan. 18, will allow superintendents in poorly performing schools to impose major policy changes. Under the bill, charter school operators can double the allowed number of seats in low-performing districts. The bill is aimed at closing the achievement gap among minorities and special education students. The bill also doubles the charter school spending cap in the state’s 10 lowest performing school districts.

 After the press conference, I had a chance to ask my question. However, I had not one, but two questions to ask. As I approached the governor with my questions, he looked me in the eye and said “Ah, the Director of Libraries, I suppose you want to ask me for more funding for school libraries”. Having introduced myself to him in the library, he actually remembered who I was!

“Actually no...” was my answer. I saw the look of shock and surprise come over his face. I went on to say that in these fiscally difficult times, while our school libraries are in dire need of support, I realize that monetary support and commitment to school libraries may be years away. However, I did want to be able to have a school librarian on the “teacher’s advisory panel” to the BESE. His eyes brightened, and he enthusiastically brought an aide over to us and passed a business card to me. “Email this gentleman with your request, making sure you mention this conversation,” said Governor Patrick. He then went on to say how committed he is to putting together this panel, as the BESE must not make decisions “in a vacuum”.  I was thrilled.