Sudden staff shifts shake Swarthmore

Swarthmore Borough Manager Sean Halbom began an administrative leave of absence on Feb. 17, 2026. According to Borough Council President Jill Gaieski, the duration of the leave is unknown.

Gaieski indicated that a proposal to hire a temporary manager would be voted on at the March 2 Council meeting.

“It is my hope and expectation that a temporary Borough manager will be in place by next week,” Gaieski said. “In the meantime, duties are being covered by other Borough staff.”

Halbom, who began Sept. 2, 2025, was hired to replace former Borough Manager Bill Webb, who served from January 2022 to September 2025.

Prior to his hiring at Swarthmore, Halbom served in both Upper Frederick and Worcester Townships.

Additionally, longtime Swarthmore Public Library (SwPL) employee and Children’s Librarian Scott Schumacher left his position on Feb. 18, 2026, after nearly 10 years with the Library.

In an email to the community, Library Director Alec Staley and Board of Trustees President Beth Brown acknowledged his service, writing that “the Library is grateful for Scott’s contributions and creativity during his tenure.”

In the interim, SwPL leadership is working to maintain continuity in children’s programming.

According to Staley, storytime will take place Friday, Feb. 27, at 11 a.m., and the SwPL is actively working to resume its regular schedule of storytimes on Tuesdays at 10 a.m., Wednesdays at 10 a.m., and Fridays at 11 a.m. Special guests will fill in to ensure as little disruption as possible in planned storytimes, which typically serve an average of 30 children and caregivers each week.

Meanwhile, the search for a new children’s librarian is underway. The position has been posted and SwPL has already received about 10 applications from “very strong candidates,” according to Staley.

Staley and Assistant Library Director Jenifer Phillips will conduct interviews.

“I think with the applicant pool we have seen, [the position] will likely be filled by the end of March or early April,” Staley said.

Looking ahead, Staley emphasized the importance of community input.

“I am hoping the person coming into the role will be able to analyze the position and the needs of the community by gathering feedback through interactions they have with parents and caregivers,” he said.

Leadership is striving for stability and continuity throughout the transition.

“Our team is committed to a smooth transition during our search for a new children’s librarian,” they said. “Our focus remains on providing welcoming, high-quality services and programs for our community.”