Teachers and staff at Madison’s Toad Hill Montessori Inc. (THMI) on Oct. 2 voted 12–3 in favor of representation by the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 39.
THMI offers individualized and nature-based education to children from infant to elementary age. There are currently around 70 children enrolled. This National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) certification vote ensures that management must begin negotiating a union contract with workers at THMI’s three locations, which include Blooming Grove Montessori, Toad Hill Toddler House, and Toad Hill Children’s House.
The union’s goals include improving the quality of education for students, job protections, pay, and benefits. The election is significant as few Wisconsin private schools have organized within the past few decades.
