Over a hundred education support professionals (ESPs) and licensed educators gathered outside the Aurora School Board meeting on Tuesday, calling for the right to collective bargaining. The demonstration followed months of delay by the school board in responding to a petition that seeks a pathway for ESPs to unionize.
The petition was first presented at the August 19 Aurora School Board Meeting. Since then, according to advocates, the board has not taken substantial action. Instead, officials have said they require a study on the potential impacts of unionization and have promoted an alternative body, the Classified Employee Council, which is controlled by the district and does not allow for bargaining rights.
During Tuesday’s rally, participants voiced their rejection of both the proposed council and what they described as union-busting tactics. Brittany Snow, an Aurora pre-k facilitator and former Brailist, addressed those present: “I care deeply for my students and am incredibly proud of the progress I’ve made, rising through hard work and dedication to one of the highest-paid classified roles in the district, but here’s the truth: we make less money doing the same work as licensed staff, and we have fewer rights,” said Snow. “If the district genuinely values transparency and accountability, then it must start by listening to the people living this work. Not just studying us from a distance. We want collective bargaining, and nothing less. Let us have a fair and free process for unionization.”
Currently in Aurora schools only licensed staff—including teachers—have recognized unions with collective bargaining rights. Last semester over 60% of classified ESP employees signed a pro-union petition; now these workers are demanding official recognition and bargaining power.
Classified employees or ESPs include special needs paraeducators, bus drivers, nutrition workers, custodians and others whose roles are considered vital for school operations. Supporters claim that some district directors and managers have threatened or intimidated classified workers in attempts to prevent them from organizing collectively.
