Education Support Professionals in the Thompson School District are calling on the Board of Education to maintain its support for recognizing the Thompson Education Support Professionals Association ahead of a scheduled vote, according to an April 10 announcement. The call comes after reports that some board members may be reconsidering their previous backing and seeking a higher threshold for union recognition.
The issue is significant because classified staff such as paraprofessionals, bus drivers, nutrition workers, custodians, and office staff play vital roles in schools but do not have guaranteed rights to union representation like licensed educators in many Colorado districts. More than 60% of these employees signed a petition requesting formal workplace representation nearly a year ago.
Jana Lewis, an accounting specialist and President of TESPA, said: “After almost a year of good faith organizing and assurances the board was in support of TESPA, it is deeply disheartening to see this support come into question. Classified staff want a voice in our workplaces so we can advocate for ourselves and our students. This is about working together, respect, fairness and ensuring the people who keep our schools running are being heard and supported.”
TESPA formally petitioned the school board for recognition in May 2025. Since then, votes have been delayed multiple times despite earlier assurances from board members that recognition would move forward without requiring additional membership thresholds.
Sue Teumer, President of the Thompson Education Association (TEA), said: “ESPs are essential to the success of every school, and they deserve the same rights and respect as any other educator. When workers come together and clearly demonstrate support for union representation, school boards should honor that decision, not move the goalposts at the last minute. TEA is standing firm with our ESPs.”
TESPA members plan to attend the upcoming Thompson School Board meeting on Wednesday at Berthoud High School to urge members to follow through on their commitments. Across Colorado, similar efforts by education support professionals highlight growing momentum behind securing workplace rights.
