Members of the Sheridan Educators Association continued their strike across Sheridan School District in the south Denver metro area on April 7, entering a second week of picketing. More than 100 people joined the picket line Monday morning, including community members and educators from other districts. The group is calling for district leadership to reinstate Sheridan educators’ expired contract, recognize classified staff as a union, and end what they describe as retaliation and harmful anti-union policies.
SEA President and social studies teacher Kate Biester said, “Sheridan educators went to the bargaining table last Saturday at the district’s request, and we were again disappointed by their unwillingness to negotiate.” Biester added, “The total lack of movement on our demands, along with the fact that the Board will not even meet with us at their own meeting, shows that they are not taking this situation seriously. Sheridan educators are proud to stand together on strike and with our community until the district is ready to do the right thing for our schools.”
Educators in Sheridan have been working without a contract since last August after district leaders allowed an agreement to lapse for the first time in five decades. Teachers say some have faced discipline or layoffs without notice for raising concerns about issues such as safety within schools.
The current strike follows months of unsuccessful attempts by SEA members to negotiate with school officials. Union representatives allege there has been a pattern of bad faith actions from district leadership over the past year.
It remains unclear when negotiations might resume or how long picketing will continue. For now, SEA members say they intend to maintain pressure until their demands are addressed.
