Several union representatives and paraeducators used the board’s public‑comment period on Oct. 28 to urge trustees not to approve proposed revisions to district policies that govern recognition of employee organizations and bargaining scope.

Speakers and concerns. Lisa Larson, paraeducator and president of the Boulder Valley Paraeducator Association, told the board she opposed a proposed 51% membership threshold for union recognition and said many paraeducators cannot afford dues.

"Some paras can't afford to pay dues, but they benefit from having fellow paras in leadership roles in the union," Larson said. "The threat of the administration having the power to dissolve a union is troubling. The district should continue to stay neutral."

Several other speakers repeated the concern. Jen Bones, vice president of BVPA and a paraeducator, said the proposed changes would remove long‑standing collaborative gains and narrow bargaining to only items the district deems within "joint interest." Mary Henry, a paraeducator of 18 years, said tying recognition to a percentage of membership “creates instability and fear” because normal staff attrition could strip employees of a negotiated contract. Beth Stevens, president of the Boulder Valley Classified Employees Association and a BVSD bus driver, asked the board to reject proposed changes to policies HG, HC and HJ and preserve cooperative bargaining relationships.

Union leaders’ written requests and board response. David Stewart, a union officer, thanked the board for pausing action and moving the proposals from immediate action to study and requested further meaningful dialogue with local unions before any policy changes.

Board process. Kathleen (district counsel) told the board the policies under discussion had been placed on the regular study calendar; staff modified some language after early feedback and will continue discussions with employee associations. Several trustees asked staff to return with additional information, including current membership levels for local associations, and to consult unions about language changes before the board takes action.

Policy specifics referenced in public comment and study. Speakers repeatedly referenced three policy codes under study: HG (recognition of employee organizations), HC (scope of bargaining/joint interest), and related board policies HJ/HD. Board staff noted the item will remain under study and that some language was updated to reflect legal changes; staff asked for time to revisit the proposals with associations and return with clarified language.

Ending note. The board will continue study of the personnel/association policies; staff and union leaders committed to continued dialogue before any action is taken.