Three Modesto City Schools administrators have been recognized by the California School Library Association (CSLA) for their leadership in reimagining high school libraries as modern, welcoming hubs for learning, collaboration, and connection.
Senior Director of Maintenance, Operations and Transportation Roger Orth, Associate Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development Mike Rich, and Associate Superintendent of Business Services Tim Zearley received the CSLA Administrative Leadership Award, which honors administrators who make influential and sustained contributions to effective school library programs.
A Districtwide Investment in Libraries
The recognition reflects a districtwide high school library modernization effort funded through Measure L, the voter-approved bond passed in 2023. While the project initially focused on the district’s five oldest comprehensive high schools, district leaders expanded the scope to include all seven comprehensive high school campuses, ensuring every high school student benefits from updated library spaces.
Over the past several years, libraries across Modesto City Schools have been transformed with new furniture, updated shelving, fresh paint and carpet, murals, and infrastructure improvements. The result is a shift away from outdated, neutral spaces toward vibrant learning environments designed for how students learn and connect today.
Teacher-librarians across Modesto City Schools played a central role in shaping the redesigned spaces, working closely with district leadership and site administrators to create environments tailored to each campus rather than a one-size-fits-all model.
“Our libraries have undergone remarkable transformations, evolving from neutral and uninspired spaces into warm, inviting, and dynamic environments that foster creativity, collaboration, and connection,” said Claire Barros, library media teacher at Grace M. Davis High School.
Leadership That Centered Librarian Voice and Student Access
The modernization effort was driven not only by funding but by intentional leadership that elevated librarian expertise and prioritized equity across campuses.
“The facilities are now true collaborative learning centers that are attractive, welcoming, and safe spaces for all students,” said Julia Carota-Espinoza, Assistant Principal at Beyer High School, who was serving at Modesto High School when she helped submit the award nomination on behalf of district teacher-librarians.
That commitment was reiterated publicly at the CSLA conference, where the award was presented on behalf of Modesto City Schools teacher-librarians.
“The library modernization project they championed represents the largest investment in high school libraries in the history of Modesto City Schools,” said Tamra McCarthy, library media teacher at James Enochs High School, during her remarks at the CSLA Administrative Leadership Award presentation. “Through Measure L bond funding, they intentionally directed resources toward library improvements and empowered librarians to dream big.”
McCarthy highlighted that what began as a project focused on the district’s oldest campuses ultimately expanded to include all comprehensive high schools because district leaders continued to listen, adjust, and advocate.
“What were once neutral, uninspired spaces are now warm, welcoming learning hubs,” McCarthy said. “These are no longer just rooms with books—they are vibrant centers of creativity, connection, and collaboration.”
Spaces Designed for Today and Tomorrow
The updated libraries offer flexible seating and shared work areas where students can study, collaborate, read, or relax. Librarians say the spaces have become central hubs on campus and better reflect the kind of learning environments students will experience after high school.
The final phase of the modernization project, including furniture installation at Joseph Gregori High School, was completed in late 2025, marking a major milestone in the district’s long-term investment in student-centered learning spaces.
District leaders and librarians hope the recognition highlights not only the physical upgrades but also the broader impact of libraries as essential centers of learning, connection, and belonging across Modesto City Schools.
“These are not just libraries—they are community spaces that reflect the value we place on learning, creativity, and inclusion,” said Barros.