Lawrence paraeducators vote to consolidate bargaining under Lawrence Education Association; leaders plan state advocacy

Emerson Havzales, president of the Lawrence Education Association, told the Board of Education on June 23 that a membership vote on June 10 gave LEA exclusive bargaining rights for a unified unit representing classified and certified staff.

"June 10, we had the biggest historic win in Kansas, education history. And 95% majority, voted for LEA to represent exclusively in the bargaining unit," Emerson Havzales said during a presentation to the board. The group described the vote as a 95% yes result.

The presentation recounted the association's history and recent organizing. Leaders said the local began as Paraeducators of Lawrence (PALS) in 2015, grew from roughly 90 members to about 150, and in 2024 helped secure a roughly 40% pay increase for classified staff. Organizers said they collected enough petitions in early 2025 to request an election for bargaining rights and then recruited large numbers of classified staff in a short period: "we recruited 45% of the ESPs into LEA in just 21 days," the presenters said.

Why it matters: LEA leaders said the arrangement will create two bargaining tables — separate contracts for classified and certified employees — under a single union structure. Presenters said that approach will allow the two groups to bargain for their distinct priorities while remaining coordinated on districtwide issues.

Board members and the superintendent responded with support for the association’s plans to pursue bargaining and to carry the issue to the state level. Board member Shannon (first name recorded in the meeting) praised the organizers and said the district and students benefit when staff are supported.

Details and next steps: Presenters said their local will begin bargaining as soon as dates are set; they said they expect negotiations to begin before the fall school year. The group also said it will coordinate statewide organizing and advocacy in Topeka and called on community supporters to join those efforts.

Voices and context: Emerson Havzales introduced the presentation and was joined by paraeducators and classified staff who described the campaign’s organizing milestones, including Julie Donnelly (paraeducator, Hillcrest Elementary), Mary Lee (district paraeducator, speech services, primarily Schwickler), Danita (membership director, LEA), and Ross (teacher, former PALS president). Presenters repeatedly credited the late Denise Fish as an organizer who helped start the effort.

What was not decided tonight: The board did not vote on any bargaining terms or contracts at the June 23 meeting. Organizers said bargaining dates are being arranged and that specific contract proposals will be negotiated at the table.

For the community: LEA leaders asked community members and district supporters to help with statewide advocacy and to monitor upcoming bargaining dates. Board members expressed appreciation for the organizers’ work and said they look forward to negotiating in good faith when proposals reach the bargaining table.