I am a student at Woodward Middle School, and a couple of days ago my mother told me that the Bainbridge School Board was considering cutting the position of Patti Schlosser, our librarian, to make up in part for the Washington State Education budget deficit.

Is it possible that they believe that they can cut her position because they think that she only shelves books, and that she does nothing else of value?

Is it possible that they are completely unaware of the impact and value of her contribution to every single student at our school?

What is likely probable is that if Mrs. Schlosser leaves WMS, the value of our education will be greatly diminished, and perhaps, irreparably damaged.

Mrs. Schlosser is a very important person at our school. We recently finished our seventh grade conflict research projects. She was integral in teaching us how to identify and collect information from reliable news sources and use it properly.

She also taught us how to properly cite a source. These are important skills that we need to know in order to prepare well researched and valid papers and arguments for further education.

She personally helped me identify books to read by asking me sincere questions about what I liked to read, what my interests were and pulled more than 10 novels within 10 minutes from the shelves that I had not only not read but have since read and found both interesting and entertaining.

She constructed a personal booklist for me and several other students who I know are grateful for her interest in our free reading and education.

She also helps greatly in organizing and retooling extracurricular activities like assemblies towards what is current in our lives such as peer pressure, cyber bullying and social networking.

Mrs. Schlosser is a strong example to students at all learning levels and abilities, and Woodward is a better place for learning because of the work she does to preserve that standard. I can’t imagine what Woodward would be like without her invaluable contribution.

Jarod Sprott, 13

Bainbridge Island