Fenton ESP continue campaign against privatizing their jobs
Fenton ESP members conduct a candlelight vigil to remind school board members of the dedication, loyalty and service they show to students attending Fenton Area Public Schools.
One by one, as Fenton school board members entered State Road Elementary School for their monthly meeting on March 12, each was greeted by a poem recited by a crowd of 50 ESP members and teachers:
“We are members of the family, who make this school run.
“We are dedicated and hard working, come rain or come sun.
“We are members of the community, who have supported this school.
“To privatize our jobs would be devastating and cruel.
UAW Local 1292 President Kathy Otto said solidarity will help Fenton ESP members through the privatization crisis.
“So tell us now that our jobs are safe,
and we’ll work together for a better place.”
They had gathered for a candlelight vigil as part of an ongoing campaign to keep their custodial, transportation and maintenance jobs from being privatized.
Since the Fenton school board requested proposals from private companies late last fall, ESP members have picketed, attended meetings and spoken out against the harmful impact that privatization poses on the district, students and community.
On the picket line March 12, UAW Local 1292 President Kathy Otto encouraged ESP members to “stick together” in their privatization fight.
Fenton ESP member Lisa Ellis puts up a sign to remind passers-by of the privatization threat.
“You live in Fenton and make this community grow,” said Otto, who was representing UAW regional director Duane Zuckschwerdt. “You have an economic impact in Fenton. Money you make stays here and is spent in your community.”
MEA Board member Lee Maxwell, a teacher from North Branch, reminded the school board that ESP members “have dedicated their working lives to educating children in the Fenton community.”
“We all work in education because we love helping children,” Maxwell said, encouraging the board not to privatize the jobs of its “most valuable asset.”
“Keep them on the job for the children’s sake, because that’s why we’re here—to serve the children.”
MEA staff consultant Dick Slagter, hired last year to help members fight privatization, asked the school board to beware of the hidden costs of outsourcing and the impact of lost wages on the local economy.
“There’s also a human cost that you should consider—losing dedicated, loyal employees to privatization” and the negative impact that will have on students and the community, he said.
MEA privatization specialist Dick Slagter: Beware of the hidden costs of outsourcing.
UniServ director Laura Paige, although critical that school board members didn’t respond to comments at the meeting, remains hopeful the Fenton ESP will retain their jobs.
“We’re continuing our campaign,” she said, noting that at the April 16
meeting parents and teachers who live in Fenton will address board members on the perils of privatization.
Fenton ESP members with the banner they put up prior to the March 12 school board meeting.