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Teachers, families and alumni urge fair contracts and funding for Cultural Family Advocates
Summary
During public comment at the Oct. 7 ISD 196 board meeting, teachers, alumni and parents described Cultural Family Advocates' role supporting students of color and urged the board to provide fair contracts and funding to retain and scale the program.
Several speakers in the board’s special‑communications period described Cultural Family Advocates (CFAs) as essential staff who help students of color and families navigate school systems and advocated for fair pay and stronger funding.
Testimony and examples: Jennifer Ernst (district resident and CFA) described CFAs as bridges between families and schools who help with outreach, problem‑solving and resource navigation and urged the board to recognize their work with appropriate contracts. Parent Becky Bunkholt recounted that a CFA’s sustained support helped her son graduate despite learning disabilities; she said CFAs ‘‘made the difference’’ and argued that fair compensation is morally necessary. Thuy Jones and Kendra Gadeff gave additional firsthand accounts of CFAs assisting students with FAFSA, coordinating with police when needed, and fostering family trust.
Why it matters: speakers said CFAs increase family engagement, reduce barriers for students of color, and help close achievement gaps. Several speakers urged the board and district administration to resolve ongoing collective‑bargaining issues and ensure CFA contracts reflect rising costs such as health insurance.
District context and response: Superintendent Bolsoni told the public the district values CFAs and said HR conversations concerning collective bargaining are ongoing; the superintendent and staff indicated follow‑up conversations with CFA representatives and HR would continue after the meeting.
What was not decided: No contract or funding action was approved at the Oct. 7 meeting; speakers asked for a prompt administrative response and for details about required funding to maintain or expand the CFA team.
