Thousands of parents, educators, and community members gathered in Colorado Springs on October 9, 2025, to support a one-day strike by teachers and staff from Colorado Springs School District 11 (D11). The action was organized in response to recent decisions by the district’s school board that educators say are detrimental to students and public education.
Ali Eustice, a D11 teacher and parent, stated, “As a D11 teacher, I know how committed the educators of this district are to their students. I am not just here for my child but for all D11 students. They deserve the best educational opportunities this community can provide.”
The strike was supported by the Colorado Education Association, which represents approximately 30,000 educators across the state. Supporters traveled from various parts of Colorado to join D11 educators in their protest.
The immediate cause for the strike was the school board’s decision to end a master agreement that had been in place for 56 years. Educators argue that this agreement was essential for maintaining stability and clear expectations within schools.
Kevin Coughlin, president of the Colorado Springs Education Association (CSEA) and an elementary school teacher, commented, “The master agreement helped create a safe and consistent learning environment by setting clear expectations for everyone. Since the district severed the educators’ agreement, attacks on our students have escalated. The board knew before they could tear pages out of our textbooks, they had to get rid of the agreement that gives educators a voice and acts as a barrier against the top-down mismanagement that is pushing our district into crisis.”
Concerns were also raised about actions taken by school board members related to book bans and curriculum restrictions.
Paul Blakesley, a high school social studies teacher and parent, said, “The school board is choosing politics over practical solutions. Instead of addressing real issues like increasing student supports and keeping great teachers in our classrooms, they’ve turned our schools into a battleground in a culture war that doesn’t represent the values of Colorado Springs families.”
During the day, educators picketed at 34 sites throughout D11 and canvassed neighborhoods to discuss upcoming school board elections with voters. According to organizers, more than 10,000 doors were knocked on in less than three hours ahead of ballots being mailed on October 10.
Molly Till, a first-grade teacher, emphasized the significance of these elections: “This election will set the direction for our schools, whether the district focuses on supporting students and educators or continues down a path of division and intimidation. This isn’t about left or right. It’s about putting education first and keeping culture war politics out of our classrooms.”
The day concluded with a rally at Acacia Park attended by thousands. Liz Waddick, described as both a mother and union member, addressed attendees: “We are fighting for schools that are safe, welcoming, and fully funded. We are fighting for a future where every single student–no matter their race, zip code, or background–has a world-class education and the resources they need to thrive.”
