Colorado teachers reach agreement, students set to return to class
After three weeks of tense negotiations and picket lines stretching across southern Denver, a tentative agreement has been reached between the Sheridan School District No. 2 and its teachers union, paving the way for students to return to the classroom as early as Monday.
A long-standing dispute ends
The agreement marks the end of the longest teachers’ strike in Colorado’s history, spanning 40 years. Governor Jared Polis, who had repeatedly urged negotiators to find a resolution, hailed the breakthrough as a critical step in supporting students and families impacted by the prolonged walkout.
“I’m excited to share that both sides have come to an agreement to get kids back in classrooms right away,” Polis stated in a press briefing. “I urge both sides to officially ratify the agreement quickly to avoid further delay. These students have already missed critical classroom time, and each of them deserves a great Education and to be back in school.”
The stalemate had disrupted the Education of numerous students and families, prompting significant concern within the community. Teachers, represented by the Sheridan Educators Association, had been striking since last August, demanding improved working conditions and a renewed contract. The union initially sought to reinstate the existing contract, arguing for fair compensation and benefits – a request they characterized as “basic dignity for our employees.”
Jennifer Alevy, a librarian and social studies teacher at Sheridan High School, spoke passionately about the struggle, stating, “It’s been really hard, every day, going out there, fighting for what we believe is right.” Adding gravely, “I have to go in tomorrow for a biopsy, and I'm very scared about that, and I'm already not making a whole lot of money, so having my health insurance taken away and possibly having to pay out of pocket is just something that worries me a lot.”
Romez Lawrence, a janitor at Sheridan High School, echoed the sentiment, describing the experience as “exhausting.” His concerns centered on the potential loss of benefits, a point vehemently disputed by the school district, which insists no employee will lose access to healthcare. The district maintains it has been covering both employee and employer contributions and intended to pay only its share if the strike continued.
Despite the district's assertions, the threat of benefit loss fueled the union's resolve. The agreement, expected to be ratified Friday and finalized by the school board Tuesday, prioritizes getting students back in the classroom – a victory for educators and families alike. Kate Biester, President of the Sheridan Educators Association, emphasized the importance of ensuring educators can unionize and have the dignity they deserve in their workplace. “ Sheridan will always be a place that gives everyone a chance to succeed. We have shown everyone that big things can happen in a small town.”
Governor Polis, along with State Director of Planning and Budget, Mark Ferrandino, and Superintendent Gionni Thompson, expressed optimism that swift ratification will ensure a stable and consistent learning environment for students, a sentiment shared by the Sheridan community.