JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo — The Jefferson County Education Support Professionals Association (JESPA) said they have the support of two school board members on their request to increase wages for essential workers in the district.
During a virtual news conference held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, the union spoke about the talks they have had with each of the five school board members regarding a wage for essential workers in Jeffco.
JESPA told 9NEWS that bus drivers, secretaries, custodians, securities, paraprofessionals, maintenance and food service workers are the positions they consider essential.
Jeffco Board of Education Director Stephanie Schooley attended the virtual conference and expressed her support for the wage increases. Director Ron Mitchell was also quoted as supporting the union.
“We are encouraged by the support several of our board members are showing us, and we hope that the school district will soon respond with a reasonable proposal for steps and COLA for ESPs,” said Lara Center, library paraprofessional and President of JESPA. "We believe there's no better time than Labor Day to fight for workers' rights."
You can watch the full press conference here:
The association has had small group discussions with each of the five board members over the past seven months, according to JESPA.
Susan Harmon, Brad Rupert and Susan Miller currently sit on the Jeffco Board of Education with Mitchell and Schooley.
Current financial proposals from the district do not allow for pay increases and no cost of living adjustments. JESPA said in their release.
9NEWS reached out to the Board of Education for comment but did not hear back prior to publication.
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