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ESPs press board for livable wages and staffing amid contract talks
Summary
Education Support Professionals, teachers and parents told the board that ESP pay and staffing levels are insufficient; multiple speakers urged the district to consider $25/hour and to prioritize retention and recruitment during contract negotiations.
Several speakers addressed the board during public comment to press for higher pay and improved working conditions for Education Support Professionals (ESPs). Speakers described heavy workloads, understaffing, and the safety responsibilities ESPs perform, and urged district action during ongoing contract negotiations.
"We are overwhelmed and understaffed," said Tina Collins, who told the board she supervises large playgrounds and performs health and safety work in multiple roles. Tracy Doran and Michelle Dennard argued that ESPs deserve livable wages; Dennard said, "$25 an hour is not too much to ask," and urged the district to match stated values with compensation and transparency about financial proposals.
Speakers also noted the broader consequences: some ESPs qualify for district housing-stability programs, and the panel called on the board to factor program eligibility and student safety into contract decisions. Nick Watler and other commenters called for awareness and progress in negotiations so that staff are not lost to higher-paying districts.
Board members acknowledged the comments and noted that negotiations were underway in closed sessions; the public comment emphasized workforce and equity concerns the board will face as the district finalizes budgets and staffing for FY26.
