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House committee approves resolution recognizing educational support professionals
Summary
House Joint Resolution 31, a resolution to recognize educational support professionals and designate April 3 as a day of appreciation, passed committee after testimony from paraeducators, classified staff and union representatives emphasizing their central role in schools.
Representative Denise Joy introduced House Joint Resolution 31 to honor educational support professionals (ESPs), listing roles such as secretaries, custodians, paraprofessionals and bus drivers and noting the seasonal nature of some positions. She said ESPs are ‘‘the backbone’’ of schools and deserve recognition.
Testimony came from a range of school staff and union representatives. Kim Popham, director of public policy and research for the Montana Federation of Public Employees, said ESPs are integral to student success. Multiple ESPs and school staff—including paraeducators, classified employees and a recognized MFPE awardee—described daily responsibilities and urged the committee to pass the resolution. Representative Wise moved that HJ 31 do pass; the committee approved the resolution by voice vote and forwarded it to the floor.
