Fight privatization every day, NEA president tells ESP
Durand paraprofessional Margaret Hemenway, recipient of the Leon A. Brunner Award for outstanding commitment to ESP causes and concerns, receives a standing ovation at the MEA ESP Statewide Conference. More than 350 support staff attended the two-day conference in Battle Creek.
In introducing Reg Weaver at the MEA ESP Statewide Conference on March 16, George Jackson described the NEA president as a mesmerizing speaker and personality.
“Reg is the quintessential cheerleader for public education and the children who attend our public schools,” said Jackson, president of the MEA ESP Caucus.
Weaver certainly lived up to Jackson’s rave reviews, delivering a dynamic, enthusiastic speech that praised the work of MEA’s 38,000 ESP members and encouraged them to fight privatization.
NEA President Reg Weaver with Mt. Morris support staff member Mary Lou St. John.
“I salute you,” said Weaver, noting that MEA has the third largest ESP caucus in the nation. “You keep our schools safe and clean, you teach and counsel students. We need you. We need your help. You are on the frontlines every day. You make our association stronger. You are partners with teachers, schools and parents. You are vital to the goal of NEA to give every child the opportunity to attend a great public school. We can’t do this without you, folks.”
UniServ director Marty Lankford draws a response from (seated, left) Kay Smith of Port Huron and Karen Lorincz of Manchester during the ESP conference session, Planning and Implementing a Successful School Board Election.
Weaver warned ESP members that they must be prepared to fight privatization every day.
“Those who don’t like us want to ‘voucherize’ us, and they want to privatize us. Privatization reduces accountability to the public and undermines the quality of education our children receive.”
Weaver also said ESP deserve higher pay. “The average wage for ESP is $25,762 a year, not enough to support a family. It’s important that this nation realizes how important you are to the children. Every one of you deserves respect and a living wage. You deserve an opportunity for the American dream.”