ESP union thanks board, cites staffing gaps; board approves ESP staffing report

Jennifer Shepherd, president of the District 128 Education Support Professionals (ESP) union, addressed the board on April 28 and outlined the union’s priorities and concerns related to staffing.

Shepherd thanked district administrators for monthly collaboration and noted ESP participation on multiple committees. She recognized outgoing and incoming ESP executive board members and said the union appreciates recent process improvements in staffing.

On program needs, Shepherd told the board that over the past five semesters 32 students have earned a DRF in government and 84 students have earned a DRF in U.S. history, both of which are graduation requirements. The union proposed adding ESP support for tier‑1 classroom assistance and drop‑in tutoring through the ARC and MASH programs to help students meet those milestones. That specific request was not included in the final staffing plan, Shepherd said, and the union asked the board to continue exploring options.

Shepherd also said the union supports adding certified staff to the district MTSS (Multi‑Tiered System of Supports) model but expressed concern about reductions in English and science tutor positions; the union suggested reallocating existing ESP positions into departmental professional roles to strengthen tier‑1 supports.

The board then voted to approve the annual ESP staffing report, a matter that had been discussed in committee earlier in the month. Don Carmichael moved approval and Sonal Kulkarni seconded; the board approved the report by roll call.

Shepherd said the union looks forward to continued collaboration with the board and administration to refine staffing and student supports.