Vice President Anderson earns MAJOR ENDORSEMENT for his re-election bid!
As a proud member of the Denver community and a dedicated advocate for education, I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Denver Federation of Paraprofessionals and Nutrition Service Employees, an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers, for my re-election campaign. As the first para-educator to be elected to the Denver School Board, I have a deep understanding of the critical role that these dedicated individuals play in the success of our students and schools.
Para-educators, food service workers, and campus safety officers are the unsung heroes of our educational system. They work tirelessly to support our students, often in roles that are physically, emotionally and mentally demanding. They provide vital support to our teachers, helping to create a safe and supportive learning environment for our children. They are the first line of defense when it comes to student safety, and they play a critical role in ensuring that our schools are clean, well-maintained, and well-fed.
These dedicated individuals were on the front lines during the pandemic, keeping Denver Public Schools running and providing essential services to our students and families.
Food service workers, in particular, were heroes during the pandemic, ensuring that our students received nutritious meals despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. They worked tirelessly to pass out over 5.1 million meals to students in need, providing a vital lifeline for families during a difficult time. I am dedicated to ensuring they receive the raise that they deserve!
Despite the critical importance of their work, these individuals are often undervalued, under-compensated, and underappreciated. That’s why I made it my mission, upon being elected to the Denver School Board, to raise the minimum wage for paraprofessionals to $20.00 an hour, and we did just that in 2022. This was a major accomplishment, and I am proud to have played a role in making this happen.
However, there is still much work to be done. If re-elected, I will continue to work hand in hand with the Denver Federation of Paraprofessionals and Nutrition Service Employees to raise the minimum wage once again and ensure that our paraprofessionals, food service workers, and campus safety officers are valued, respected, and receive the compensation they deserve. This is not only the right thing to do, but it is also essential to ensuring that our schools continue to provide the high-quality education that our students deserve.
In conclusion, I am honored to have the endorsement of the Denver Federation of Paraprofessionals and Nutrition Service Employees, and I am committed to working with them to ensure that our paraprofessionals, food service workers, and campus safety officers receive the recognition and compensation they deserve. These individuals are the backbone of our educational system, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they are valued, respected, and supported. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who make a difference in the lives of our students.
Auon’tai Anderson, Vice President of the Denver School Board
