Albemarle Education Association moves closer to establishing union for school staff

The Albemarle Education Association (AEA) is one step closer to becoming the official union for Albemarle County public-school employees after requesting a certification election this fall. The move comes after years of advocacy and trust-building efforts by the AEA to represent the interests of school employees.

Mary McIntyre, who will assume the role of AEA president on July 1, expressed excitement about the prospect of working towards a fair contract and a stronger Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) where employee voices are integral to the decision-making process. The request for the certification election was delivered to the Albemarle County School Board by current AEA president Vernon Liechti at a recent meeting.

The certification election aims to establish the AEA as the exclusive bargaining agent for licensed professionals and education support professionals within the school division. If successful, the AEA will negotiate the first-ever contract with the school division on behalf of employees.

The school board’s resolution in April paved the way for the certification election, requiring documented support from a majority of employees in each bargaining unit. The AEA garnered significant support, with over 1,800 employees – representing 59% of education support professionals and 81% of licensed professionals – endorsing the union.

The level of employee support exceeded that of previous years, indicating a growing desire for collective representation and fair labor practices within Albemarle County public schools. The upcoming certification election in the fall will give employees the opportunity to choose their bargaining agent and shape the future of labor relations within the school district.