Classified staff press board for bargaining recognition, cite staffing and inclusion concerns

During public comment on Aug. 20, classified staff and paraprofessionals urged the Thompson School District board to support recognition of TESPA as a bargaining agent for classified employees and described staffing and workplace concerns.

"We are not only employees; we're also your neighbors, community members, and parents," Jana Lewis, who identified herself as a classified employee and president of TESPA, said. Lewis told the board that custodians, paraprofessionals, secretaries, bus drivers and nutrition-services staff are asking for "the opportunity to have a seat at the table" to discuss their future and working conditions.

Paraprofessional Daniel Strader described more than a decade working in education and said he chose Thompson School District for its people. He said classified staff have not consistently been included in district decision-making and cited examples from other Colorado districts where collaboration with unions improved supports for students and staff.

Other public comments during the meeting raised related operational concerns about class sizes and school resources. A caller from Johnstown, Shauna Lemons, said she is a first-grade parent at High Plains School and asked the board to address a reported 31-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio in her child's classroom.

Board members thanked speakers and acknowledged their remarks but did not take immediate action to recognize a bargaining unit at the meeting. Several board members said they value classified staff and asked staff to continue conversations about the issues raised.

Clarifying details from comments

- TESPA is the local organization seeking recognition as a bargaining agent for classified staff in Thompson School District. - Call-in speaker Shauna Lemons requested board attention to class-size concerns, citing a reported 31:1 student-to-teacher ratio at High Plains School.