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PRIVATIZATION
Michigan ESPs fight privatization plan.
For 23 years, Lois Riever has worked as an education support professional for the Jackson, Michigan, public schools. So Riever, a custo- dian at High School Alternatives, was shocked last spring to learn that her job might disappear as part of a plan by the school board to turn 200 ESP jobs-- including transportation, maintenance, and skilled trades positions - over to private contractors.
"I was stunned," says Riever. "We all were. I think the school board timed the announcement because school was about to let out for the summer, and they thought no one would care too much. They were wrong."
Indeed, Jackson ESPs, who belong to the Jackson Educators Support Personnel Association, acted quickly to oppose the privatization plan and to educate the community about the dangers of privatization.
"Education support professionals are in a unique position to communicate with the community," says JESPA UniServ Director Pat Robins. "They grow up with and live among...