Educators and staff at Sheridan School District have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike after the district declined to reinstate their contract and recognize classified employees in their union. The Sheridan Educators Association (SEA), which includes teachers, mental health providers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, custodial staff, food service workers, office staff, and other school workers, reported that 98% of members supported the strike action.
The decision follows several months of negotiations with the district that educators say have not resulted in progress. According to SEA representatives, the district has refused to bring back a collective bargaining agreement that had been in place for over fifty years.
“I’m proud of our members today for saying with one voice: we will not be intimidated, and we will continue to fight for the schools our students deserve,” said Sheridan High School teacher and Sheridan Educators Association President Kate Biester. “The district leadership has pushed educators to the very brink. At every turn they have chosen to shut down negotiations and escalate their attempts to keep us silent. All we want is to teach and support our students, so we urge the district to return to the table to negotiate a contract for all Sheridan educators.”
Kevin Vick, president of Colorado Education Association and an educator with more than twenty years of experience, commented on the situation: “Sheridan educators are hardworking members of the community who want to support their students and continue to work in this community. The district’s actions have so far made that impossible. By refusing to even come to the bargaining table, Sheridan district leaders are putting the community last. Everyone deserves a good neighborhood school, with educators who have what they need to help kids learn and thrive. Educators from across the state stand with Sheridan educators and families in defense of all students’ right to a high-quality education, safe and inclusive schools, and opportunity.”
Kylene Vigil, office manager at Alice Terry Elementary School who has worked in the district for sixteen years, also spoke about her reasons for supporting a strike: “Our vote to strike is about dignity and respect. The district has not shown us either for over seven months now. This is not the situation any of us hoped for, but the district left us without a choice. We are here tonight to stand up for our students and our Sheridan community. I’ve worked in this district for 16 years now and this has become more than just a job, this community has become part of my family. We urge the district to return to the bargaining table and to recognize classified employees in our union.”
The SEA says it will continue efforts toward reaching an agreement but maintains that action was necessary due to what it describes as ongoing bad faith by district leadership.
