Jeffco School Board and Support Staff Union Clash Over Wages and Trust

Leaders from the Jeffco Educational Support Professionals Association (JESPA) met with the Jefferson County School Board in December, urging the district to prioritize competitive wages and benefits for support staff. The meeting, marked by tense exchanges, highlighted ongoing frustrations from last year’s contentious negotiations and underscored calls for improved collaboration and trust.

JESPA President Zander Kaschub emphasized the need for open dialogue, stating, ‘Without communication, there is no relationship.’ Kaschub criticized the district’s decision to hire a ‘union-busting’ lawyer early in the negotiation process, calling it a betrayal of worker trust. ‘After a mere three hours of negotiating, the district hired an anti-union lawyer,’ Kaschub said. ‘We supported board members who ran on pro-worker platforms, so the lack of communication was confusing and hurtful.’

Board member Paula Reed explained the board’s collective decision-making process, noting that individual members cannot negotiate outside official channels. ‘No individual board member has any power without the others,’ Reed said. ‘We all have to work together, and if we’re all getting the same message at the same time, that’s better.’

JESPA leaders acknowledged the district’s financial constraints but urged the board to prioritize competitive wages and benefits for support staff. Reed highlighted Colorado’s underfunding of schools, noting that the state funds its schools $2,000 to $3,000 less per student than the national average. ‘You deserve more,’ Reed said. ‘If we had the means to do it, we would.’

Board member Danielle Varda emphasized the board’s commitment to addressing worker concerns within the district’s financial limitations. ‘I guarantee these are the five people who will work hardest to meet your requests,’ Varda said. Superintendent Tracy Dorland added that the current board is one of the most unified she has worked with regarding raises and employee care.

Discussions also revolved around the potential use of a facilitator in negotiations. JESPA leaders questioned the need for a third party, with member Sarah McClintock emphasizing the importance of direct dialogue. ‘We don’t always have to agree, but we should be able to collaborate and communicate,’ McClintock said. Board member Erin Kenworthy likened a facilitator’s role to couples’ therapy, suggesting it could provide impartial support in navigating complex discussions.

JESPA leaders also raised broader issues impacting the community, such as food insecurity and mental health resources for students. Kaschub highlighted the importance of viewing these challenges holistically. ‘Our role as support staff goes beyond job descriptions; we are a lifeline for many families,’ he said. Board members acknowledged these points and expressed interest in further collaboration to address systemic issues.

Both sides agreed to prioritize transparency and regular communication to avoid the pitfalls of previous negotiations. Kaschub acknowledged that this year is already going better than last but emphasized the need for trust. ‘I want to know and trust that if this breaks down again, we can come to you and talk to you,’ Kaschub said.