President 

– Drea Vannice, Dispatcher at North Transportation

“Hello fellow JESPA members,

I am honored and humbled to have been nominated to serve as the next President for JCTA. If elected, my priorities will be:

•  Strong advocacy for fair compensation and working conditions: Building on recent bargaining successes, we must continue fighting for wages and benefits that reflect the critical work we do and attract/retain the best ESPs in Jeffco.

•  Student-centered solutions: The schools our students deserve start with us. I will push for resources that support safe, healthy learning environments and address the real needs of our drivers and assistants.

•  Unity and member engagement: We are stronger together. I will work to increase participation, transparency in decision-making, and support for all members across every classification and worksite.

•  Defending our profession: Standing up against cuts, unfunded mandates, and policies that undervalue ESPs, while building stronger alliances with parents, community leaders, and other unions.

I believe in collective power, respectful bargaining, and relentless advocacy for the respect, voice, and resources our members and students need. Together, we can build on the progress we’ve made and create even stronger schools.

I respectfully ask for your support and your vote. Please reach out with questions, ideas, or concerns—I’m here to listen and serve.

In solidarity,

Drea Vannice, North Transportation Dispatcher”

– Loni Byrne, Bus Driver at North Transportation

“JCTA family, thank you for the nomination and for placing your trust in me once again.

It has been an honor to serve this union for the past five years — starting as Bus Assistant Liaison, then Terminal Liaison, 1st Vice President, and for the last two years as your President. Together, we have accomplished real progress: nearly a $10-an-hour wage increase, improved working conditions, and stronger safety standards through my work as co-chair of the Transportation Safety Committee. I’ve also been proud to serve as a Building Rep, on the Organizing Committee, and to represent us at Delegate Assemblies and leadership conferences — even teaching a class on building leadership from the ground up.

I’ve never lost sight of why we do this work. The union exists for our needs — your needs. Whether it’s fair pay, safe equipment, or respect on the job, I have fought hard for every gain, and I will continue to fight even harder for more. If elected, I will keep pushing forward with the same determination, energy, and focus on our members that I’ve brought to this role every single day. Thank you. I humbly accept this nomination and ask for your continued support as we move JCTA forward together.”

– RD Phillips, Bus Driver at South Transportation

“Known as “Mista Phill” to my students, I’ve spent the past three years proudly serving as a school bus driver, giving students more than a safe ride, I leave them with lessons about chances, choices, and having a great day on purpose. I believe being an educator isn’t limited to the classroom; it’s about making a difference in lives. I’ve been that father figure, big brother, or mentor students needed, showing them someone cares. My background includes serving as president of NTEU 336 and a Teamster business agent, where I fought for fairness and justice. Equality is greater than division, and I bring that belief to everything I do.”

Second Vice President – Cheryl Coronado, Trainer

Bus Assistant Liaison – Laura Aguilar, Bus Driver Assistant at South Transportation

South Grievance Representative – Pati McCurdy, Bus Driver at South Transportation

Central Grievance Representative – Joy Jenkins, Bus Driver at Central Transportation

West Grievance Representative – Jeanne Stukle, Bus Driver at West Transportation

Member at Large – Chris Fett, Custodian at Evergreen Sr

Member at Large – Cece Saldivar-Gonzalez, Columbine Sr

No Candidates Running

Secretary – Olive Robertson, Paraeducator at Fletcher Miller

President 

– Melanie McClain, Kitchen Manager at Fairmount Elementary

“My name is Melanie McClain, I’m running for JCSFSA president because I believe our schools are strongest when ESP’s have a real voice. For too long, the people who build, teach, protect, and keep our schools running have been overlooked in decisions that affect their livelihoods. I’m committed to changing that by standing with my union siblings to ensure we are respected, protected and fairly compensated. 

I am a Kitchen Manager at Fairmount Elementary. I have been a JEFFCO employee and proud JESPA member since 2019.I have attended lobby days and rallies at the state capitol to fight for workers rights. I also helped with the HSMA campaign and the fight to get that passed. I have been a delegate for JESPA at the CEA delegate assembly for the past 4 years. 

My top priorities are clear: support good-paying union jobs, and invest in the employees that work in our schools. That means strengthening collective bargaining rights, opposing efforts to weaken labor protections, and ensuring every worker has safe working conditions, fair wages, and access to benefits they can rely on.

This campaign is about solidarity, fairness, and building a work environment and union that works for everyone—not just those at the top. Together, we can create a future where every worker has dignity, respect and job security. I will always be transparent and accessible. I’ll work closely with you, my fellow food service workers, and our union, to guide my decisions.

I’d be proud to earn your support.”

– Robert Labenberg, Kitchen Manager at D’Evelyn Jr/Sr

Secretary/Treasurer – Jen Wilson, Food Service Worker at West Jefferson Middle

“I’m Jen Wilson and I have been working as an hourly in the West Jeff Middle School kitchen since August of 2023. I am the current Secretary/Treasurer of JCSFSA and I would love to continue that work!

Me, on the left, with our current JCSFSA board.”

Communications & Outreach Director – Michelle Barbero, Kitchen Manager at Three Creeks Elementary

President – Sarah Smith, ECIP at Adams Elementary

Vice President – Tonya Toller, ECIP at Ryan Elementary

President – Jaden Bush, Campus Supervisor at Bear Creek K-8

“Hi everyone,

For those I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet, my name is Jaden Bush. My roots in this district run deep, I’m a proud Jeffco alum, and for the past five years, Jeffco has been my professional home. Currently, I serve as the Campus Supervisor at Bear Creek K-8. In my time with campus security, I’ve developed a profound respect for the work we do and the vital impact we have on our students’ daily lives.

My commitment to JESPA isn’t just about a title; it’s about a consistent track record of showing up. I have shown up for bargaining, provided representation for our coworkers, and recently served as your CEA delegate. Whether I’m walking the strike line in Sheridan or walking the halls of the State Capitol to speak with senators, I believe leadership means being present where the fight is.

I am running for JCSA President because I believe we deserve a seat at the table that is as strong as the work we perform every day. My priority is to organize and expand our presence within JESPA, ensuring that our voices are heard. I want to connect and grow JCSA so that we’re no longer disconnected and alone in our buildings.

I would be honored to have your support. Regardless of the outcome, I’m not going anywhere; I will continue to fight for you and our union. I look forward to seeing you all around the district!”

Vice President – Shaq Galvan, Paraprofessional at Deane Elementary

Member at Large – Katrina Davis, Paraprofessional at Alameda International Jr/Sr

“My name is Katrina Davis and I am a Special Ed Para at Alameda International.  I have been with the district 15 years.  I have become more involved with JESPA in the past few years as I feel the wages Paras make have not kept up with inflation and our profession does not get the respect it deserves.  I am currently the JESPA member on the CEA Fund Committee and work with members across the state to promote pro-education political issues and candidates.  As an At Large Board Member I feel that I can continue the tradition of strong JESPA leadership.  I am known for my personal qualities of integrity, dedication and teamwork and am committed to bringing those qualities to the table.”