AURORA, Colo. — A group of Aurora Public Schools (APS) classified employees held a rally ahead of Tuesday night's Board of Education meeting, demanding a path toward unionization.

"We're the veins of the district," said head custodian Corey Tonjes.

Classified education support professionals (ESPs) include special needs paraprofessionals, bus drivers, nutrition workers and custodians. Pictured: Aurora Public Schools (APS) classified employees marching in solidarity into Tuesday night's Board of Education meeting.

According to the group, 60% of the nearly 1,800 classified employees within Aurora Public Schools signed a union petition last semester.

On Tuesday night, the group submitted a petition to the Board of Education, demanding the right to a union. With the school board's approval

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