ACPA (Arts and College Preparatory Academy) Educators and Staff Vote 'Union Yes'

Last week, educators at the Arts & College Preparatory Academy in Columbus voted to form their union with the Ohio Federation of Teachers.

Ninety-eights percent of the staff voted for the union weeks after calling on the administration to voluntarily recognize their union.

“Forming our union will give us a collective voice to reduce turnover by advocating for fair working conditions and meaningful input in decision-making,” said Brandon Wise, a science teacher for grades 11 and 12 and member of the union organizing committee. “When teachers are supported and heard, we stay in the profession longer, creating stability and stronger relationships in the classroom. This benefits our students by ensuring they have experienced, dedicated teachers who can focus on their success.”

Employees called on ACPA to voluntarily recognize their union and to not use taxpayer money to hire anti-union consultants or to engage in any anti-union behavior. ACPA is budgeted to receive at least $6 million in Ohio public education funding for this year and next year.

“Our teachers and staff are the backbone of the community we have created at ACPA,” said Emily Horwath, a Spanish Teacher and member of the organizing committee. “With a supported, consistent, and well-treated faculty and staff, we can all look forward to seeing how great ACPA can be.”