Jenison ESP

Unfortunately, like too many other districts across the state, Jenison Public Schools decided to privatize their custodians. Julie Brill, Deb Irvin, Denise Saganski, and I attended the JPS Board meeting to show support for our fellow educators and support staff. We listened to the various custodians speak about being born and raised in Jenison, graduating from Jenison Public Schools, and working for Jenison Public Schools. Some of the custodians had been working for the district for 30+ years. In the most disrespectful way, the custodians were notified of their termination on Friday, June 5, their last day of school. They were not given an opportunity to bargain. And they had even been previously told that privatization was not being considered. The reason the custodians were given for their termination: necessary budget cuts. What we don't understand is why they feel it necessary to eliminate custodians now when there is still uncertainty about how much their district will receive from the national stimulus package. That money may be substantial. In addition, this district has a 17% fund equity - yes, I said 17% !!!! (over 7.3 million dollars)

What also concerns us is the affect privatizing has on students, staff, and the community. Typically, custodial staff from large companies are low-wage earners, which ultimately results in a high-turnover rate. Do we really want any school in America to be a revolving door for random, unknown workers? Is that who we want interacting with our children on a daily basis? Will they interact with our children? Will they interact appropriately? Will this revolving door of workers be willing to go the extra mile for their schools, staff and students like district-employed custodians do? Why would they if they have no ties to the school or the community? In most districts, the support staff live in the school district they work in, raise children in that district and send them to the districts' schools, spend money and volunteer in the community of that school district. They take pride in the school district because they have a stake in it as community members and taxpayers. What Jenison Public Schools has done will greatly affect the students, staff, schools, and the community. Was it really necessary?

Now, many of you reading this may wonder, "Why should Kentwood employees care what happens in other districts?" While our district has also said they are not currently considering privatization, we must be aware that superintendents talk and share ideas. If it can happen in Jenison, it can happen in Kentwood. So we must speak loudly and clearly that we value our support staff. We value the jobs they do in our schools. We value the relationships they build with staff and students. We value them as community members and taxpayers. WE VALUE THEM!

submitted by Michelle Thomas