Educators and staff at the Sheridan School District in Colorado have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, citing ongoing disputes with district leadership over contract negotiations and union recognition for classified employees. The Sheridan Educators Association (SEA), which represents a broad range of school workers including teachers, mental health providers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, custodial staff, food service workers, and office staff, reported that 98% of its members supported the strike authorization.
The decision follows several months of unsuccessful negotiations with the district. According to the SEA, the district has refused to reinstate a collective bargaining agreement that had been in place for over fifty years. Union representatives also allege that district officials have engaged in actions they describe as bad faith and retaliatory since the start of the school year.
“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 SEA 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 the Colorado Education Association and an educator with more than twenty years’ 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 Sheridan for sixteen years, expressed her concerns: “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.”
