- December 4, 2025
In every thriving school district, there’s a group of unsung heroes working tirelessly behind the scenes — driving our students safely to school, preparing hot meals, keeping campuses clean and secure, supporting teachers in classrooms, answering phones, managing school operations, repairing buses and so much more. These are the support professionals of Flagler Schools, and they are the heartbeat of our community.
They are paraprofessionals, clerical staff, food service workers, custodians, security personnel, aides, mechanics and bus drivers. And they are proudly represented by the Flagler Educational Support Professionals Association (FESPA).
As Flagler Schools moves “Flagler Forward,” it’s essential that everyone moves forward together. No one should be left behind — especially not the people who keep our schools running every single day with care, skill and dedication.
We’ll be the first to admit: FESPA hasn’t always had the loudest voice. But that changes now.
With new leadership and a renewed sense of purpose, we’re turning the page. We’re focused on rebuilding trust, strengthening unity and raising the visibility of our members. We’re not here to chase headlines — we’re here to build relationships, advocate for fairness and serve our school communities with pride.
We are living our values by strengthening our communications to members, providing more consistent updates on the issues that matter to them and where we stand on critical local work. We are pushing for more than just negotiated raises and steps — we need annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) built in so that employees don’t fall behind year after year. And we are committed to making sure that promises from administration — whether on training, staffing, or pay — translate into real results for our members.
Membership in FESPA isn’t just about job protection. It’s about opportunity. Through our partnerships with the Florida Education Association (FEA) and NEA Member Benefits, our members have access to valuable tools like student loan forgiveness help, career development, legal support and member-only discounts that help stretch every dollar. These are real resources for real people — people who give their all to Flagler’s students.
We believe that when we support those who support our children, everyone wins. Because school success isn’t just about test scores or curriculum — it’s about community. To truly move Flagler Forward, we must do it together — with dignity, accountability and equity for every employee.
FESPA is ready. We’re listening. We’re showing up. And we’re all in — for our members, our district and our community.
Lisa Torres is the new president of the Flagler Educational Professional Support Association union.
