Community Archives - JESPA

JESPA Elections

admin — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 20:56:13 +0000

JESPA Board Endorses Proposition NN, Supports Ballot Measures 5A and 5B

For more than 30 years, Colorado’s outdated revenue cap has limited how much our state can invest in public schools. Even when Colorado already collects the revenue, the cap blocks those dollars from reaching classrooms. That underfunding makes it harder to pay educators livable wages, keep experienced teachers and ESPs in the profession, lower class sizes, and expand career and technical education programs students need.

Prop NN gives voters the chance to update the 1992 cap and allow Colorado to invest the revenue it already collects in K-12 public education, without raising taxes or changing anyone’s tax bracket. It also requires an independent public audit each year so Coloradans can see how new dollars are spent.

Colorado students deserve public schools with enough qualified educators, manageable class sizes, and opportunities that prepare them for college, careers, and life. Our schools cannot provide that without the education support professionals who keep students safe, fed, transported, supported, and ready to learn.

That is why we are supporting Proposition NN.

Prop NN would allow Colorado to invest more of the revenue it already collects in K–12 public education, without raising taxes or changing anyone’s tax bracket. The funding could help districts:

Improve wages so education support professionals can afford to stay in their jobs
Recruit and retain paraprofessionals, bus drivers, food service workers, custodians, office staff, health aides, security staff, maintenance workers, and other essential school employees
Reduce vacancies, turnover, and workload pressures
Stabilize staffing so students have the qualified, caring adults they rely on every day

Prop NN also requires an independent public audit each year so Coloradans can see how the new funding is spent.

Here in Jefferson County, Prop NN could provide an estimated $8,634,978 in 2027, $42,796,920 in 2030, and $255,864,960 in 2037.

As ESPs, we see the effects of underfunding every day. Prop NN is an important step toward giving us the resources we need to support our students and keep our schools running.

Learn more and get involved: coloradoea.org/YESonPropNN

Vote yes for our students. Vote yes on Prop NN.

Support for 5A and 5B

On August 20th, the Jeffco School Board authorized two Mill Levy Overrides, which you can read about here. JESPA leaders, JCEA leaders, and parent organizations attended public comment to warn the board that ESPs, teachers, and students are the ones who have felt the impact of the recent budget reductions and that these groups need accountability for the leadership who brought the district to this point. You can listen to their comments here.

JESPA and JCEA had been bargaining an MOU to ensure any funds secured through a MLO goes to where the community has been saying the funds should go; staffing and student programs. We centered bargaining around a commitment from the district to ensure that these funds won’t go towards central administrators. You can sign the petition here to show support for your fellow coworkers who have felt and seen the impact of these budget reductions and to ensure that any future money should be spent wisely and with students and the staff who directly serve those students in mind.

On September 10th, JESPA President, Zander Kaschub, and JCEA President, Ang Anderson, announced that JESPA and JCEA would no longer meet with JEFFCO to negotiate the MLO MOU that began as a condition of contract Tentative Agreements in summer 2025.

Watch Here – JESPA and JCEA comment starts at 1:49:15

“At this point, every additional hour we spend sitting around a table is an hour we aren’t spending organizing our members, talking to voters, and working to pass this MLO.

So tonight, we are officially walking away from the MOU negotiations.” Kaschub said.

This marks an important point in the Mill Levy Override process. While JEFFCO has refused to negotiate guardrails around administrative spending, JESPA has taken a position of support for the MLO because we understand how dire the financial situation is for our community. Budget cuts have hindered our ability to provide students with the support they need to be successful and passing an MLO is a strong strategy to fill the gap.

We will support the MLO while continuing to demand accountability from district leadership. The MOU negotiations might be over but that doesn’t mean we are walking away from the fight. Central district administrators don’t need more money.

“The most recent salary data available to us is from February. At that time, 102 central district administrators collectively received $15.7 million a year in salary alone. That doesn’t include benefits. It doesn’t include PERA contributions.” Kaschub said.

“Central administration doesn’t need more. Our schools do. Our students do. Teachers and ESPs do.”

The post JESPA Elections appeared first on JESPA.

A Historic Win: JESPA Secures 6-Year Agreement with Major Gains for ESPs

admin — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 22:36:54 +0000

JESPA is proud to announce the successful ratification of a new six-year agreement with Jeffco Public Schools—our longest contract to date, effective from September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2031. This landmark agreement provides long-term stability, guaranteed compensation increases, and enhanced protections for Education Support Professionals (ESPs) across the district.

This win is the result of months of organizing, collective bargaining, and member engagement. It reflects the strength of our union and our shared vision for a respectful, safe, and professional work environment.

Long-Term Stability and Security

The six-year term of this contract brings a new level of predictability and job security for JESPA members. In 2028, both JESPA and the District will have the opportunity to reopen up to three articles each, in addition to compensation and benefits discussions—ensuring continued flexibility while maintaining long-term protections.

Stronger Protections Against Outsourcing

One of the most significant gains in this contract is enhanced language to protect ESP jobs from privatization. Under the new agreement:

The District must provide JESPA with 30 days’ notice before issuing any Request for Proposal (RFP) related to ESP work.
The District is required to meet with JESPA before finalizing any outsourcing plans to explore viable alternatives.
Internal vacancies must remain posted, even when temporary contractors are used.

Additionally, JESPA will now meet with the District each semester to review existing contracts that could impact ESP positions and recommend alternatives—such as offering more hours to current part-time staff before turning to outside contractors.

Expanded Definition of Bargaining Unit Work

To prevent work from being removed from the union without cause, the contract clarifies that any new position with duties similar to existing ESP roles must be included in the bargaining unit, unless clearly defined as administrative or confidential. JESPA must also be consulted before any position is removed from the unit.

Respect & Dignity

A newly added Respect article (Article 5) now affirms every ESP’s right to a workplace free from discrimination, retaliation, and mistreatment. This article:

Reinforces the District’s duty to provide a professional and respectful work environment.
Strengthens protections for employees engaging in union activity or asserting their workplace rights.

Fair Compensation and Bilingual Pay

Wages and benefits remain a top priority, and this contract delivers:

Continued step advancements and wage protections.
Reopener language that allows JESPA to negotiate wages and benefits during the life of the contract.
Stronger bilingual pay protections: Employees using approved language skills will continue receiving a 5% differential, which cannot be reduced or revoked under this contract.

Due Process and Fair Discipline

The contract maintains critical due process rights, including:

Just cause standards for any disciplinary action.
A clear commitment to progressive discipline and transparency in investigations.
A requirement that the District present evidence before any discipline is issued.

Safety and Emergency Protocols

Safety remains a foundational concern. The new Safety article guarantees:

The right to call 911 during emergencies without fear of retaliation.
Access to paid CPR and First Aid training upon request.
District responsibility to identify “essential personnel” ahead of emergency events.

Union Rights and Representation

JESPA building representatives retain the right to share contract information at worksite meetings and orientations, ensuring members stay informed and empowered.

New Article for Custodial ESPs

For the first time, custodial workers now have a dedicated article in the contract. This article:

Defines clearer expectations around assignments and staffing levels.
Provides protections tailored to the custodial work environment.
Strengthens JESPA’s ability to advocate for this essential group of workers.

What We’ve Maintained

In addition to new gains, all previously secured rights and benefits remain intact, including:

Grievance procedures
Reduction in force guidelines
Sick and personal leave accrual
Health and safety language
Right to participate in professional development and committee work

What This Means for ESPs

This contract is more than a document—it’s a statement of values. It reflects what JESPA members have long fought for:

Long-term job security
Increased wages and expanded pay protections
Safer, more respectful workplaces
Stronger union voice on the job
Improvements tailored to specific departments and classifications

Whether you’re a current member, a potential member, or a supporter of public education, this agreement is a testament to what collective action can achieve.

Together, we’re building a stronger, more stable future for all ESPs in Jeffco.

The post A Historic Win: JESPA Secures 6-Year Agreement with Major Gains for ESPs appeared first on JESPA.

Jeffco Education Support Professionals Association (JESPA) Stands with Evergreen Community

admin — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 17:30:33 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 11, 2025

Jefferson County, CO—JESPA today released the following statement following the tragic school shooting that took place yesterday at Evergreen High School:

“To the students, families, and staff of Jeffco and Evergreen High School: We are devastated by the events that unfolded yesterday. Our hearts are with all of you, especially the students who were wounded, their families, and the Evergreen community. We hope for their full and swift recovery.

“From the secretaries, paraeducators, and pre-k staff who welcome students in the morning to the custodians closing the building at the end of the day, from those driving our students to those serving lunch to them, to the campus supervisors and maintenance workers who work to keep our schools safe—Educational Support Professionals (ESPs) are constantly focused on student and staff wellbeing. We organize for safe learning and working conditions in our schools because our students and staff deserve a nurturing environment that leads to healthy and fulfilling lives.

“The tragedy that occurred at Evergreen High School affects all of us in Jeffco, and is a real and terrifying possibility for students, teachers, ESPs, parents, community members, and anyone else who finds themselves inside a school in this country.

“In this time of crisis, we encourage solidarity and checking in with one another to build a supportive community. We must rely on each other and band together to guarantee public education in Colorado has the resources it needs for safe schools.

“In the aftermath, it will take time to process and heal. There are resources available for anyone who needs help. A resource and information center will be open on Thursday, September 11th (9am-5pm) and Friday, September 12th (9am-1pm) at Bergen Meadow Elementary’s old building, located at 1928 S. Hiwan Drive. There will be victim advocates, mental health professionals, victim compensation representatives, and school personnel. There are many other mental health resources available to anyone in need, including:

● Jefferson County Schools Employee Assistance Program – 303-982-0377

● The Colorado Mental Health Line – Dial 988

● The Colorado Crisis Hotline: 1-844-493-TALK (8255)

● Jefferson Center for Mental Health: 303-425-0300

“We stand with Evergreen. We grieve with you. And we commit to being part of the path forward. Together, we must act boldly to end the tragic epidemic of gun violence in our country.”

###

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JESPA Calls for Accountability After Salad Bar Scandal at Jefferson Junior/Senior High School

admin — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 12:24:00 +0000

Jeffco Nutrition Director Misled Parents and Misused Funds

Jefferson County, CO – Is what Beth Wallace did grounds for termination? Not in Jeffco.

Beth Wallace, Executive Director of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) at Jeffco Public Schools, oversees tens of millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded school nutrition programs which are critical in schools with high numbers of students of color and students from working class families, like Jefferson Jr/Sr Articulation Area in Edgewater, Colorado.

Despite documented evidence of misconduct — including misleading district leadership, misrepresenting data, ignoring grant restrictions, and violating the agreements of a union and community-led pilot program — she remains in her position, unaccountable.

This controversy centers around a healthy school meals pilot led by JESPA (Jeffco Education Support Professionals Association) and a group of Edgewater-area parents from the Edgewater Collective. The pilot was designed to introduce scratch-cooked, culturally relevant food at three schools: Jefferson Jr/Sr High, Edgewater Elementary, and Lumberg Elementary. In 2023, a $50,000 grant from the Colorado Gives Foundation intended to fund a salad bar at each site.

Wallace knew the funds were obtained using the pilot schools and were intended for salad bars specifically for each of these three schools. Yet, she chose to spend over $30,000 on a single touchless salad bar for Jefferson Jr/Sr High — an expensive, high-tech unit that arrived late and required special training to use. The salad bar was finally installed and began operating on January 29, 2024.

And yet, after only 83 serving days, Wallace ordered the salad bar removed from Jefferson Jr/Sr High — without informing the school community, the superintendent, or her own Chief of Operations. Internal emails show her plan was to relocate the equipment to Chatfield High School — a more affluent school well outside the grant area.

It wasn’t a mistake. It was a decision. And it was made behind closed doors.

The community only learned what had happened when a group of Edgewater parent leaders — known as the Pilot Moms — returned to school in August 2024 and discovered the salad bar missing. When they demanded answers, senior leadership, including Superintendent Tracy Dorland, admitted they had no idea it had been removed.

Manipulating the Numbers

When pressed for justification, Wallace framed the removal as a performance issue. She claimed the salad bar was underused — citing an average of 8.4 meals per day and an unsustainable $18.63 per-meal cost.

But she seemed to have left out the most successful period of the program: the first two and a half weeks, when 351 meals were served — averaging 27 per day. Why did participation go down? Her claim wasn’t just misleading, it was based on an incomplete dataset and one that did not account for why participation declined. In JESPA’s experience, she often chooses to present part of the story to district leadership and the public. And according to reports, when the salad bar was gaining popularity with school staff, Wallace responded by doubling the price — discouraging further use.

Wallace also told the Pilot Moms that FNS was “waiting to hire” someone to run the salad bar. In reality, her team had already eliminated the position at Jefferson in July — right after the salad bar was pulled. Wallace’s claim appears to be contradicted by an internal email responding to an inquiry from a colleague, Dianna Garcia, about hiring a candidate for Jefferson Jr/Sr, dated July 25, 2024, in which Katie Jeter, FNS Director of Resources, explicitly states:

“We are going to eliminate that position at Jefferson because it pulls the anticipated MPLH to 8 (goal is 16). So it’s over-staffed. With the removal of the salad bar, we will not need that position.”

Wallace also told the Pilot Moms the district was still deciding where to relocate the salad bar and was seeking feedback from the group. However, internal emails show that by early July, plans to move the salad bar to Chatfield High School were already in motion — months before the community was informed.

$30,000 of Dysfunctional Equipment — No Accountability

What Wallace hasn’t addressed is the equipment itself.

The touchless salad bar she purchased for Jefferson reportedly cost over $30,000 — and it frequently malfunctioned. Internal accounts describe the unit as a “prototype” or untested, with inconsistent performance and unclear protocols. Staff were left troubleshooting a complex machine that proved to be troublesome to use. If the machine was truly a prototype, why did we pay so much for it? In fact, why wasn’t it provided without cost?

Despite these issues, Wallace did not acknowledge the equipment failures publicly. Instead, she seemed to blame the schools for low participation.

In the presentation to the Pilot workgroup on September 25, Wallace misled the parents, saying that the grant was for district wide food service, and stating “This was not a salad bar grant. This was a partnering with local produce and bringing in local produce. And so it was not a specific salad bar grant.” This appears to be an outright lie, as the grant letter, agreement, and emails clearly describe the grant as supporting “implementation of salad stations at three schools” specifically Jefferson, Edgewater, and Lumberg.

Wallace also referred to the salad bar as a prototype in that same meeting, stating: “That’s why it’s a one-time pilot. You know, I got 130 schools to look at, so we would never spend that kind of money.” Yet she had already spent over $30,000 from a grant tied to three specific schools to purchase the unit.

A Pattern — Not a Fluke

This isn’t a one-off incident. This is a pattern.

Beth Wallace:

Removed the salad bar without telling the community
Misrepresented participation data by omitting the strongest weeks
Raised prices for staff after seeing strong participation
Eliminated the position at Jefferson while publicly claiming hiring delays
Failed to disclose the salad bar’s operational failures
Violated the terms of a restricted-use grant
Used the pilot she opposed to obtain funding — then sabotaged it from within

At best, this is unethical leadership. At worst, it’s a deliberate misuse of funds and a deliberate cover-up.

Jefferson Deserves Better

The removal of the salad bar must be seen in the broader context of how Jeffco treats the Jefferson community as well as how the FNS Department functions. The school — a majority Latino, working-class campus — is now under threat of closure.

Jeffco has a troubling pattern of discrimination and retaliation toward workers and the community, evidenced through years of complaints and grievances filed by both JESPA and community members.

The pattern is clear: the overwhelmingly affluent, white leadership makes decisions without community input, then scrambles to justify them once the community catches on. Community trust? Gone.

Every day Beth Wallace remains in power sends a message to families, workers, and students that mismanagement, dishonesty, and betrayal are acceptable in Jeffco Public Schools. It’s time for the Board of Education to stop justifying actions of their administrators and start holding them accountable.

Beth Wallace should be removed from her role. And the families of Jefferson deserve a district that respects their voice, their values, and their right to be heard.

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Jeffco Stop Dodging Accountability—Do Your Job

admin — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 17:48:45 +0000

Jefferson County, CO — In response to recent public statements made by Jeffco Public Schools, the Jeffco Education Support Professionals Association (JESPA) is setting the record straight: there is a serious, ongoing failure in this district when it comes to addressing misconduct—including sexual misconduct—and it starts at the top.

In a statement to the press, Kimberly Mahugh, associate chief of communications and strategic partnerships for Jeffco Public Schools, claimed:

“Under Colorado law and the negotiated agreements with our associations for licensed teachers and non-licensed staff, Jeffco is held accountable to steps of due process regarding employment termination. So should a staff member make the decision to resign in lieu of the legal dismissal process, Jeffco will often accept this resignation to quickly remove the staff member from our payroll and save our taxpayers money rather than going through what can often be a lengthy and legally required dismissal process.”

This statement implies that union contracts are to blame for Jeffco’s decision to quietly let potentially dangerous employees walk away without accountability. That is both misleading and unacceptable.

JESPA has repeatedly told the district: if you have the evidence and cause to terminate someone—do it. That’s your job. If there’s a disagreement, there’s a process to resolve it. But what we see time and time again that the district has the evidence and simply fails to act.

Instead of acknowledging their own failure to act, district officials have chosen to shift blame to “negotiated agreements.” Let’s be clear: the issue is not due process. The issue is district leadership’s repeated failure to investigate, document, or enforce its own policies.

Here are just a few examples:

Employees report sexual harassment by coworkers—and are told it “didn’t happen” unless there was a witness.

Investigations are left to unqualified administrators—or worse, JESPA bargaining unit members—without any authority or proper training.

Employees accused of harassing students or coworkers are quietly allowed to resign, preserving a clean record they can carry to another district.

Problem employees are simply shuffled between buildings, with no accountability or consequences.

And if the person causing harm or violating the rules is an administrator? Protection, deflection, or even promotion.

JESPA has raised these issues repeatedly. We’ve filed grievances, called for investigations, and challenged administrative decisions in hearings—only to face resistance and stonewalling. What does it say when JESPA consistently has to challenge administrators who overturn our grievances and side with their fellow administrators, even in cases where harm is clear? What does it say when administrators refuse to answer questions, withhold evidence, and back each other no matter what?

These are not isolated events. They are part of a pattern. And while the district continues to deflect, we are demanding accountability.

If the district won’t take action to stop misconduct, we will continue to expose it until they do. Because no student, staff member, or community member should feel unsafe in their school.

JESPA has pushed again and again for clarity and structure in Jeffco:

We’ve fought to restore employee orientation, so workers understand their duties, expectations, and consequences, from day one.

We’ve demanded clear rules, equal enforcement, and consistent consequences.

We’ve even had to bargain for basic, common-sense protections—such as the right to refuse unsafe directives or to call 911 in an emergency without first seeking approval from an administrator.

Let’s also be honest about who does seem to get targeted in Jeffco: Not those who cause harm—but those who speak up about it. There is a culture of fear and retaliation—one that punishes critical thinking and rewards compliance.

When JESPA leaders speak up, we’re scolded for “breaking trust” with the district. When we demand accountability to an agreement or a policy, we’re told we’re being “unprofessional” or that we “violated the norms.” When we push any kind of improvements, we’re told that “social justice” doesn’t belong here.

And when we refuse to back down, we’re accused of being disruptive.

To that, we say: Good. We must be disruptive—because the status quo is failing our students.

The district’s failure to act is not a labor issue—it’s a leadership issue. If Jeffco leadership spent half as much time enforcing its own policies as it does pointing fingers or ignoring issues, this crisis wouldn’t exist.

JESPA is not the problem. We’re the ones showing up with solutions.

The post Jeffco Stop Dodging Accountability—Do Your Job appeared first on JESPA.

Safe Rides for Adults, Loopholes for Kids: The HopSkipDrive Exception

admin — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 19:13:32 +0000

While lawmakers in Colorado move to strengthen protections for riders of Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) through HB25-1291, there’s a glaring loophole that could put our most vulnerable passengers — students — at risk.

HopSkipDrive markets itself as a safe, student-focused alternative to Uber or Lyft — but operates similarly by contracting with drivers through an app to transport children, often for school districts. Despite offering rides for minors, it’s unclear whether HopSkipDrive will be held to the same standards as TNCs under the new legislation.

Here’s what the bill does:

· Limits drivers to 10 consecutive hours to prevent fatigue.

· Requires biometric ID verification and frequent fingerprint-based background checks.

· Mandates continuous audio and video recording for every ride (with opt-outs allowed).

· Requires fast transparency when a complaint is filed.

· Holds companies accountable under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act.

All common-sense safeguards, especially when you’re transporting kids.

So what’s the problem?

HB25-1291 doesn’t clearly spell out whether student transport companies like HopSkipDrive are included. And based on how legislation like this usually plays out, HopSkipDrive is already lobbying behind the scenes to opt out or classify themselves differently.

Why? Because compliance would cost them. Cameras, background checks, tighter oversight — all of it means less profit, more accountability. And what happens if they’re allowed to opt out? Children — many with disabilities, IEPs, or mental health concerns — continue riding in cars with far fewer protections than adults using Uber.

Let that sink in:

Adults get biometric ID, continuous recording, and guaranteed complaint responses within 24 hours.

But a 9-year-old riding to school with a stranger? Maybe not.

“We Already Do That” — So Why Not Put It in Writing?

HopSkipDrive is reportedly telling lawmakers:

“We already follow all of these safety measures. There’s no need to include us in the bill.”

But here’s the thing: If they’re already doing it, there should be zero problem being legally required to. Unless, of course, they want the freedom to stop doing it at any time.

The Reality of “Voluntary” Safety Measures

HopSkipDrive is regulated by rules promulgated from SB22-144, found in 4 CCR 723-6 (starting on page 102). These rules do not require fingerprint background checks unless a school or district contract explicitly includes them. As stated in Rule 6724(d):

“… If a fingerprint background check for a driver is required, as specified in a contract with a school or school district, the criminal history record check shall be completed pursuant to the procedures set forth in § 40-10.1-110, C.R.S…”

Other current rules only require GPS monitoring for “real-time safety anomalies” — not continuous audio or video recording — and largely rely on self-regulation. Drivers are expected to self-report any new criminal convictions, and oversight from the state only happens once every three years through a review process by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the Colorado Department of Education (CDE).

In contrast, HB25-1291 would:

· Mandate fingerprint-based checks before hire and every six months thereafter

· Require audio/video recording of rides (with opt-outs)

· Shift oversight from company discretion to state enforcement

The contrast is clear: what HopSkipDrive markets as safety is not enforced by law — and often left up to self-regulation, contracts, or internal policy.

What HopSkipDrive promises and what they’re legally obligated to do are two very different things.

Forced Arbitration: The Hidden Danger

Companies like Uber, Lyft, and HopSkipDrive use mandatory arbitration clauses that force users and drivers to give up their right to sue in court. These agreements:

· Block class actions

· Force disputes into secretive arbitration

· Waive core consumer rights

HB25-1291 directly challenges this, declaring it void to waive certain rights. That means victims of misconduct might finally get their day in court — if the company is subject to the bill. If HopSkipDrive is carved out? The arbitration shield stays up. Even if something terrible happens.

Lawmakers should not accept vague promises of voluntary compliance. If HopSkipDrive is already doing all the right things, it should have no objection to being included in the bill. In fact, they should demand it, to raise the bar for the entire industry.

Because child safety shouldn’t rely on corporate goodwill. It should be the law.

HB25-1291 must apply to all companies transporting children — without exception.

The post Safe Rides for Adults, Loopholes for Kids: The HopSkipDrive Exception appeared first on JESPA.

JESPA Stands with the Edgewater Community to Keep Jefferson Junior/Senior High School Open and Thriving

admin — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 21:20:47 +0000

Edgewater, CO — The Jefferson County Education Support Professionals Association (JESPA) proudly stands with the Edgewater community in advocating for Jefferson Junior/Senior High School to remain a comprehensive 7th-12th grade school that reflects the needs, values, and aspirations of local families. The Edgewater community has a clear and powerful vision for Jefferson — one that includes a community school model, a bilingual education pathway, and expanded career opportunities — and JESPA is fully committed to supporting this vision.

“The Edgewater community knows what’s best for their students,” said JESPA President Zander Kaschub. “A community school model at Jefferson would empower families, educators, and support staff to shape the school’s future and create opportunities that honor the culture, language, and strengths of this community.”

JESPA Supports the Edgewater Community’s Vision:

JESPA is made up of nearly 4,000 Education Support Professionals (ESPs) who work closely with students and families every day. Many of our members have been part of the Jefferson community for decades — living, working, and raising families here. We are not just staff members; we are parents, grandparents, and neighbors who understand firsthand the importance of keeping Jefferson strong and accessible to local families.

Our members build lasting relationships with students and families in classrooms, cafeterias, hallways, and on school buses. We witness the positive impact that culturally responsive programs, bilingual pathways, and strong career options have on student success. We also see the challenges students face and understand that closing or restructuring Jefferson would disrupt the lives of families and create unnecessary hardships for those who rely on the school for stability and opportunity.

A Community-Led Vision for Jefferson

JESPA supports the Edgewater community’s vision for a community school at Jefferson that includes:

Local autonomy and decision-making with a Steering Team composed of students, families, support staff, educators, and community members.
A bilingual pathway through 12th grade that builds on the success of Edgewater and Lumberg Elementary Schools, giving students the opportunity to continue developing their language skills and earn a Seal of Biliteracy.
Stronger junior high and high school experiences that meet the unique needs of 7th and 8th grade learners while expanding career pathways that connect students to real-world opportunities.

For a deeper look at the Edgewater community’s vision for Jefferson, click here.

JESPA remains committed to:

Amplifying community voices in decisions that impact Jefferson.

Fighting for local autonomy and leadership to create a sustainable future.

Supporting a community school model that strengthens family engagement and academic success.

“The Edgewater community has worked tirelessly to protect and improve Jefferson,” added Kaschub. “JESPA is proud to stand with them as we fight for a school that reflects their vision and meets the needs of every student.”

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JESPA Adopts Resolution to Ensure Safety for Staff, Students, and Communities in Interactions with Law Enforcement

admin — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 18:46:02 +0000

The Jeffco Education Support Professionals Association (JESPA) has adopted a new resolution affirming its commitment to the safety and security of all staff, students, and communities. The resolution calls on Jeffco Public Schools to establish clear, district-wide policies and training to ensure consistency in responding to law enforcement and immigration enforcement situations in schools and transportation terminals.

JESPA members have repeatedly raised concerns about the lack of clear guidance, leading to inconsistent decision-making by school administrators and department leaders. Without standardized policies, staff and students are left vulnerable to unsafe situations and confusion.

“The safety of all students and community, regardless of immigration status, shouldn’t be at the will of individualadministrators in Jeffco,” said Zander Kaschub, JESPA President. “JESPA members are demanding clear, enforceable policies that protect everyone in our schools and workplaces.”

As part of this resolution, JESPA will:

Urge Jeffco Public Schools to adopt uniform policies regarding law enforcement and immigration enforcement interactions.

Insist on accountability measures for all administrators to ensure proper implementation of safety protocols.

Continue advocating for the safety and security of its members, students, and the broader Jeffco community

Click here for the full resolution.

The post JESPA Adopts Resolution to Ensure Safety for Staff, Students, and Communities in Interactions with Law Enforcement appeared first on JESPA.

JESPA Declares Impasse in Negotiations with Jeffco Public Schools

admin — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 20:49:26 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

April 25, 2024

JESPA Declares Impasse in Negotiations with Jeffco Public Schools

Cites Failure in Discussions Regarding Unsafe Staffing, Outsourcing, and Healthy School Meals

JEFFERSON COUNTY, CO. – During last night’s bargaining session, the Jefferson County Education Support Professionals Association (JESPA) declared an impasse in this year’s negotiations with Jeffco Public Schools. JESPA President Zander Kaschub delivered a statement, reflecting deep concerns over the district’s negotiation tactics and their impact on school staff and students.

“During this year’s negotiations, it has become evident that Jeffco Public Schools is unwilling to engage in good faith discussions regarding the well-being of our Education Support Professionals and, consequently, the students we serve,” Kaschub stated.

This impasse comes despite JESPA bringing forth crucial issues like Student-Centered Staffing and Job Stability, with the district continually refusing to meaningfully engage over proposed solutions or reach mutual agreements. JESPA’s position is backed by extensive community support, including parents who attended the session in solidarity, advocating for improved conditions that directly affect their children, particularly the fight for healthy school meals.

“Our interests reflect the demands of our members and community,” Kaschub emphasized, underlining the widespread support from various community institutions and advocacy groups.

The session also highlighted the district’s refusal to discuss and solve low staffing levels which are, too often, detrimental to students’ education.” The continued maintenance of dangerously low staffing levels of support staff has had a direct impact on our children’s health, education, and safety,” Kaschub added. The district’s failure to post and hire for open positions has led to outsourcing positions, which not only diverts taxpayer dollars but also undermines the community’s trust and the efficacy of school operations.

Kaschub criticized the district’s financial priorities and refusal to negotiate, pointing out that, “Poverty-level wages are enforced while the district holds an excessive $211 million in reserves and pays an attorney $277 an hour to sit across the table from us with explicit direction to bust my union.” The district’s refusal to negotiate over JESPA’s concerns is seen as contradictory to the district’s own negotiation policy, which aims to ensure that “employees’ input and proposals are fully considered before making related decisions.”

The announcement of an impasse is a significant move, signaling JESPA’s readiness to take legal steps to challenge the district’s refusal to negotiate. “On behalf of JESPA, I am declaring an impasse in this year’s negotiation process,” Kaschub declared, noting the legal representation JESPA has sought to address this failure.

As negotiations falter, JESPA is determined to find a resolution that respects and addresses the concerns of educators and the community. “We are seeking an environment where our concerns are met with respect and serious consideration. Until we can find a path forward that leads us there, we are at an impasse,” Kaschub concluded.

About JESPA

The Jeffco Education Support Professionals Association is a union of 3,800 Education Support Professionals dedicated to providing unwavering support to every student, in every public school, and across every neighborhood in Jefferson County. JESPA champions the rights of our members to have a strong voice in their workplaces, fostering an environment where students can embark on their educational journey with confidence and thrive from the very start to the very end of their school day.

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Honoring the Struggle for Freedom: Labor Leaders Shine at 3rd Annual Labor Seder

admin — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 15:46:00 +0000

JESPA Executive Director Vicki Flores was honored as a Champion of the Labor Movement at the third annual Coloradans for the Common Good Labor Seder last week. Also honored was Joe Goldhammer, a labor attorney with a long history of advocating for the working class.

The Passover Seder commemorates the biblical story of the Israelite’s struggle to free themselves from slavery under Pharaoh’s harsh rule in agent Egypt. In keeping with the Exodus story of liberation, the Interfaith Labor Seder weaves in the stories of organized laborers’ struggles and celebrations. This night was an opportunity to take a step back from our work to appreciate and recommit to the struggle and to connect with religious leaders, leaders of the labor movement, policymakers, and the greater community. During the labor Seder participants recognized that there are people in our midst who struggle every day for dignity, freedom, and power both within workplaces and throughout their entire lives.

JESPA leader Andrea Cisneros shared her story of struggle to find food while she was growing up. She found support from caring school lunch ladies. When she had children of her own, she become a school food service worker so she could be a mom to her children. She was determined to provide nutritious meals for her students. Despite facing push back from a school district favoring processed foods, Andrea stood firm, advocating for healthier options. Now facing threats of termination for her advocacy, she remains resolute: “I will continue fighting for every child’s right to healthy meals, no matter the cost.”

Flores was honored during this event for her “passion for strategic organizing and building power [which] continues to drive innovation, fostering a collaborative and fearless spirit among JESPA members as they champion the schools their students truly deserve.” In her 19 years with the labor movement, the last 4 years advocating for Jeffco ESPs, Flores has helped workers achieve higher pay and fight for more respect.

Jorge Montiel, Lead Organizer for Coloradans for the Common Good presented her award. In recognizing her hard work in leading JESPA, he said, “With Vicki’s leadership, JESPA, in collaboration with CCG, has achieved a major milestone, raising the minimum wage in the district over the last few years from $12.49 to $18.40 per hour. That represents over $30 million of additional payroll every year, going to the households of the lowest-paid workers in the Jeffco schools.”

Flores reflected on her path to the labor movement, shaped by early stories from her grandmother who grew up on the sugar beet farms of Colorado, the youngest of 12 children of a migrant farmworker. She credited JESPA leaders for her continued inspiration, saying to those JESPA leaders present, “You and many others have demonstrated remarkable courage against a system that prefers silence and compliance.”

Every day, we see Flores’ work reflected in our pay, our ability to stand up for our rights as workers, and in our ability to stand up for our students’ right to a quality education.

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