Monday’s near-freezing temperatures did not deter dozens of Naperville District 203 health techs, school secretaries, para educators and other support staff from waving signs, marching and chanting in support of a new contract.
It was the largest gathering yet of Naperville Education Support Professionals Association members and supporters. The 600 or so union members have been in contract talks with district since March and working without a contract since June.
“We bring quality care and work to the classrooms, to the offices, to the nurses’ offices, to the tech departments, to the learning commons and to every part of the school district,” NESPA president Sharon Kurolenko said.
The union and District 203 bargaining teams met Monday, and Kurolenko said progress had been made that put them on a “right path” and “good direction.” She said she hopes an agreement could be reached before Christmas.
“After months of negotiations, we are pleased that the district seems to finally understand our position. Their most recent proposal made a move in the right direction,” she said.
Kurolenko declined to provide details on bargaining, such as what other issues besides wages are being discussed. NESPA has not discussed a strike, she said.
The two sides will next meet with a federal mediator on the Nov. 22.
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School Board President Kristin Fitzgerald agreed the Monday meeting was productive.
“It was a positive meeting today in which both sides continued to exchange proposals,” she said. “Both sides have made substantial movement toward an agreement.”
The union rally started at South Washington Street and Jackson Avenue, with participants marching about a half mile to reach Washington Junior High School, where the District 203 School Board was meeting.
Marchers chanted “undervalued, underpaid” and “no more praise, give us a raise,” and many waved signs with messages that included “NESPA claps back,” “We support our support staff” and “I stand with 203 support staff.”
Many attended the meeting, where the crowd size prompted officials to open overflow rooms.
“You’ve heard over and over how some health techs have received pitiful pay raises over the years,” Amanda Wood, a health tech at Prairie Elementary School, told the board. “You’ve heard how many of us don’t take lunch. Many of us come early and leave late. … Many health techs I’ve talked to feel like we’re barely holding it together.”
Karen Carlson, a paraeducator at Naperville Central High School, said she has a job offer from another school district offering better pay.
“I love my job but I’m exhausted,” Carlson said. “Worrying about bills is exhausting, worrying about how short staffed we are that day, that week, that month is exhausting. Worrying about kids getting coverage because we are sick is exhausting.”