More than 100 classified education support professionals (ESPs) and licensed educators gathered outside the Aurora School Board meeting on Tuesday to call for collective bargaining rights. The group is seeking formal recognition to negotiate their employment terms, following delays by the school board in addressing their petition.
The ESPs, which include roles such as special needs paraeducators, bus drivers, nutrition workers, and custodians, first submitted a petition for collective bargaining at the August 19 board meeting. Since then, the board has not taken action on the request. Instead, it has stated that it needs to conduct a study on unionization impacts and has promoted a district-controlled council known as the Classified Employee Council.
At Tuesday’s rally, participants voiced concerns over what they described as “union-busting” tactics by district officials. They also rejected alternatives to union representation offered by the administration.
Brittany Snow, an Aurora pre-k facilitator and former Brailist, addressed those assembled: “I care deeply for my students and am incredibly proud of the progress I’ve made, rising through hard work and dedication to one of the highest-paid classified roles in the district, but here’s the truth: we make less money doing the same work as licensed staff, and we have fewer rights. If the district genuinely values transparency and accountability, then it must start by listening to the people living this work. Not just studying us from a distance. We want collective bargaining, and nothing less. Let us have a fair and free process for unionization.”
Currently in Aurora schools only licensed staff such as teachers are permitted union representation. Last semester’s pro-union petition was signed by more than 60% of classified ESP employees; supporters say this shows broad backing for their efforts.
Classified workers report facing threats or intimidation from some directors and managers who oppose their attempts at organizing.
