Sheridan educators began a strike on April 2, leaving their classrooms to picket after months of delays from the Sheridan Superintendent and School Board. Members of the Sheridan Educators Association voted by 98 percent to call for the strike, seeking reinstatement of their contract, district recognition for Education Support Professionals, and changes to board policies they describe as anti-union.
The strike highlights ongoing tensions between teachers and district leadership. Educators say these issues affect not only their working conditions but also students’ learning environments. The action drew support from parents, students, and members of other education associations across Colorado.
Picket lines formed early in the morning at every school in the district. Participants included community members who chanted and carried signs calling for safer schools and improved leadership. Students joined in solidarity with their teachers. Josiah Hall, a senior at Sheridan High School, said: “I’m here to support the teachers at Sheridan High School because I feel like right now they’re alone, and that they’re not supported by the district…I think that’s when students should step in and support the teachers here…make sure that we understand them.” Another student, Michael Edwards, added: “I’m doing this to show respect to my teachers, to help them, and I’m hoping this goes better.”
Elementary school students Lynette and Evelyn explained why they joined their teachers on strike. Evelyn said: “I’m here to support our teachers and us as students because the district is not doing like their job or what they’re supposed to be doing.” Lynette stated: “We wanted to come to get the contract and save our teachers because we couldn’t go to school for 3 days because of the superintendent. So now we’re waiting until next week to go back to school.” Parent Dulce Aguilar shared her perspective: “I’m here because I want a future for my son.”
After several hours on individual campuses, picketers gathered outside the Sheridan District Administration building where passing drivers showed support by honking or stopping repeatedly. Joe St. Cyr, a first-year teacher participating in his first labor action as an SEA member said: “The only reason I was able to survive this long as a brand new teacher is because of them [other educators], not because of any administration from [the] principal on up…No teacher expects to come in their first year and have to fight for this.”
A SOAR Academy English Language Arts teacher questioned why retention was not prioritized by leadership: “I am out here this morning because I don’t quite understand why a district who claims to want…to retain…the teachers we do have.” Kylene from Alice Terry Elementary voiced her reasons for striking: “I am doing this because I am trying to stick up for all my classified people…because we’ve never really had a voice in this district…” Sonia echoed these sentiments saying she wants “classified get recognized and be [a] part of the union.”
Educators returned later in the day back at each campus vowing continued action until demands are met despite no invitation yet from administrators back into negotiations.
Supporters plan further events including another day on picket lines followed by a car parade and community rally.
