D128 ESP Union
Good evening.
I am Sara Cardinale, co-president of the D128 ESP Union, representing the dedicated
support staff who tirelessly contribute to the success and safety of our schools. Tonight, I
stand before you as a voice for our union to share how concerned we are with the roll out of
the new initiatives.
For the first time in our district’s history, ESP staff have unionized to ensure that our collective
voices are heard loud and clear. We are the backbone of this district, encompassing roles
from campus safety to administrative support, from IT specialists to paraprofessionals,
occupational therapists, and beyond. Despite our invaluable contributions, we find ourselves
continuously burdened with additional responsibilities while our voices and perspectives are
disregarded.
The recent proposal to add six new ESP positions as MASH/ARC tutors is yet another
example of this trend. While we stand ready to fulfill these duties, we cannot help but question
the long-term implications of the initiatives. Will ESP staff continue to be the safety net, filling
in the gaps left by systemic shortcomings, especially as the initiatives are extended to upper
grades in the future? And what assurances do we have that these new positions will not
simply serve as a means to extract high-quality work at a lower cost?
Additionally, the lack of consultation with our union and the absence of clear job descriptions
for these positions only heighten our concerns. We have repeatedly expressed our desire to
be included in decision-making processes, as evidenced by the Continuous Improvement
Survey results from December 2023. Yet, our pleas seem to fall on deaf ears, leaving us
feeling undervalued and marginalized.
It is disheartening to see a presentation which will be given tonight that purports to “nurture a
positive climate” while failing to acknowledge the vital role, or existence, of the D128 ESP
Union. We are not merely a footnote in your agenda; we are essential to the functioning of our
district. Without us, there would be no graduation ceremonies, no classroom
accommodations, no course scheduling, no transcripts for college, no tech support, and no
school safety.
In closing, as we move forward, it is imperative that the perspectives of frontline employees
are not only considered but actively sought out. Listen to our voices, recognize our worth, and
work collaboratively with us to create a better future for our district. We stand in solidarity with
our teachers’ union, advocating for a plan that truly values the contributions of all staff
members in our district. These initiatives cannot succeed without the support of the D128
ESP Union.
Thank you.