Educators and staff at the Franklinton Preparatory Academy (FPA) today informed management of their collective and historic decision to form their own union. The Franklinton Preparatory Academy Educators Association (FPAEA) would be the first union at a central Ohio charter school and will be affiliated with the 121,000 members of the Ohio Education Association. The group will file authorization cards with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on behalf of the overwhelming majority of educators and non-management staff at the school. This triggers an NLRB-supervised election to certify FPAEA as the exclusive bargaining representative, which should take place within 42 days.

The decision of educators and staff to seek representation was inspired by the mission of the Franklinton Preparatory Academy, namely the “premise that all students, irrespective of differences, can learn at high levels and graduate from high school.” As advocates for their students and community, the aspiring FPAEA members will press for comprehensive school safety, adequate educational resources for students, and professional respect.

“Educators, whether they work in a charter or traditional public school, are thoroughly committed to the success of their students,” said Becky Higgins, president of the OEA. “We look forward to welcoming the educators and staff at the Franklinton Preparatory Academy into our union, and working with them to carry on our tradition of improving education and the lives of Ohio's students.”

FPA educators and staff embrace the school’s mission of building “trusting relationships within and among the members of our learning community” and look forward to a mutually respectful and cooperative relationship with FPA administration as they work towards a first union contract.