Library Manager Resigns Amid Overwhelming Workload and Burnout at Yoshikai Elementary

The Salem-Keizer School Board meeting on December 10, 2024, featured significant public comments regarding the challenges faced by library media assistants (LMAs) in local elementary schools. Brenda Carrashel, a former LMA at Yoshikai Elementary, addressed the board, sharing her experiences over nearly a decade in the role.

Carrashel highlighted the evolution of her responsibilities, noting that what was once a manageable workload for two full-time staff members has now become overwhelming for a single LMA. She described how the introduction of new educational programs and the distribution of technology, such as Chromebooks, added to her duties without any reduction in her existing responsibilities. This shift, she explained, has led to larger class sizes and increased behavioral challenges, further complicating her role.

The former LMA expressed concern over the lack of adequate support, stating that she was often left to manage special education classes alone, which exacerbated the stress of her position. She pointed out that the recent mandate for additional teacher prep time coverage had fallen on specials and counselors, adding to her workload as she was tasked with creating a computer lab for student use during prep periods.

Carrashel lamented the absence of time for essential library tasks, such as shelving books and planning lessons, which had become nearly impossible due to the packed schedule. She described her role as having shifted from managing the library to merely supervising students, a change that left her feeling overworked and unfulfilled.

Ultimately, Carrashel made the difficult decision to leave her position to regain her joy in work, citing burnout and the toll it took on her mental and physical health. Her testimony underscored the pressing need for reevaluation of staffing and support for LMAs in the district.

Following her comments, the board took a brief recess before resuming the meeting. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges within the district's educational framework, particularly concerning support staff and resource allocation.