Sheridan Teachers Strike Over Contract Dispute

Teachers in the Sheridan School District, located south of Denver, Colorado, initiated a strike on April 2, 2026, due to the district's refusal to reinstate their union contract. The previous agreement with the Sheridan Educators Association (SEA) expired in July 2025, and negotiations for a new contract have been unsuccessful. The district's declining enrollment, which has dropped from over 1,500 students a decade ago to 924 this year, has led to reduced funding and lower teacher salaries, exacerbating tensions between educators and district administration.

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The SEA's primary demands include the reinstatement of their expired contract, the rescindment of a controversial policy passed in January that union leaders argue undermines collective bargaining rights, and the inclusion of non-licensed staff in union representation. Union President Kate Biester emphasized that the strike is not solely about salary, which averaged $71,797 last year—lower than surrounding districts—but about restoring collective bargaining rights essential for attracting and retaining teachers. The district has seen a turnover rate exceeding 43%, significantly higher than neighboring districts.

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Superintendent Gionni Thompson stated that the district is committed to working in good faith with the SEA and expressed regret over the disruption caused by the strike, which has led to the cancellation of classes for several days. He noted that the district lacks sufficient staff to maintain normal operations during the strike. Despite the district's willingness to negotiate, a planned meeting between the SEA and the Board of Education ended without an agreement, as board members were absent.

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The strike has drawn significant community support, with teachers and supporters picketing along Federal Boulevard. Many educators, like Christy DiLuca, have expressed feelings of unappreciation and emotional distress due to the lack of a contract. Former teachers, such as Kelly Landgraf, have joined the picket lines to advocate for their colleagues, highlighting the negative impact of high turnover on student learning.

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Union representatives have criticized the district for its handling of negotiations and for policies perceived as retaliatory. They argue that the absence of board members during critical meetings demonstrates a lack of commitment to resolving the dispute. Teachers have voiced concerns about safety and the loss of experienced staff, which they believe undermines the educational environment.

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As the strike continues, the SEA remains firm in its demands, indicating a willingness to persist until an agreement is reached. The district has announced plans to secure temporary staff to resume classes, but the resolution of the strike hinges on the willingness of the Board of Education to engage in meaningful negotiations with the union.

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• “We’ve had disagreements, but we’ve always come to the table for the well-being of all,” — Christen Reyes, Teacher

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• “It’s just about having our collective bargaining rights back again,” — Kate Biester, Union President

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• “This is such a small community and it’s such a close-knit community that it shouldn’t be this hard.” — Nathan Miller, IT Support

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• “We want students who want to be here at school. We want teachers who want to teach here, so that we have a community of happy teachers, happy students, happy parents,” — Lori Ann Chacon, Teacher

ABC Denver 7 KMGH