ELMWOOD PARK – A collective of local unions, including the Elmwood Park Educational Team (EPET), Elmwood Park Custodian Association (EPCA) and the Paraprofessional and School Related Personnel (PSRP), today released a statement after a safety threat at Elmwood Park High School on Monday. The EPET, EPCA and PSRP represent 315 teachers, custodians, maintenance workers, paraprofessionals and other education employees serving the 2,788 students in the Elmwood Park Community Unit School District 401.
The following is attributable to EPET President Amy Lynn Vero:
“With student and staff safety as our biggest concern, we are thankful no one was physically harmed during Monday’s events. Collectively, the Elmwood Park Educational Team (EPET), Elmwood Park Custodian Association (EPCA) and the Paraprofessional and School Related Personnel (PSRP) will continue to advocate for the safety of all our staff and students, including our most vulnerable. We want to work with administration, but we insist on full transparency in order to move forward with trust and assurance. Student safety needs to be the district’s priority, and it will continue to be our priority.
EPET, EPCA and PSRP will pack the District 401 School Board meeting on Wed., March 15 to voice their collective concern. The educators are planning to wear red and are calling on parents and students to join them in calling for safe schools for all students. The meeting is at 7 p.m. at Elmwood Park High School, 8201 W. Fullerton Ave, Elmwood Park, IL 60707.
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At 135,000 members strong, the Illinois Education Association (IEA) is the largest union in Illinois. The IEA represents PreK-12 teachers outside the city of Chicago and education support staff, higher education faculty and support staff, retired education employees and students preparing to become teachers, statewide.
