Updated at 8:20 p.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026.
Few students are back in Sheridan School District 2 classrooms this week, even as the district has reopened some schools during an ongoing educator strike.
The Colorado Educators Association (CEA) told CPR News that few students across the population of roughly 800 were in class Monday. The low attendance could suggest many families are siding with teachers over the school board and superintendent — despite the disruption to their children’s education.
One Sheridan parent, Dulce Aguilar, has started a petition asking Superintendent Thomas to step down from his role as the strike persists.
"I understand that both the district and the teachers are seeking fair conditions and the well-being of the educational community," the letter to the superintendent reads. "However, the prolonged interruption of classes is directly affecting our children... I respectfully ask that dialogue be prioritized and that every possible effort be made to reach a fair and balanced agreement with the teachers as soon as possible."
The move to reopen classrooms followed a weekend negotiation session between the Sheridan Educators Association (SEA) and Superintendent Dr. Gionni Thompson that failed to produce any agreements.
The district had requested the Saturday meeting and said talks would be overseen by a mediator, but union officials say school board members did not attend.
Leaders with the CEA say it’s unclear why there has been hesitancy to reach a deal, other than anti-union sentiment that has “crept into district leadership.”
“People who are pro-union do not engage in activity like this,” said CEA President Kevin Vick.
In a statement, the SEA said educators will remain on strike this week, pushing for a reinstated contract, better pay, improved working conditions, clear communication, and recognition of all educators as staff — including bus drivers, custodians, food service workers and paraprofessionals.
“We came back to the table today ready to make progress for Sheridan students and staff. We’re disappointed the district has made no movement and only brought us the same offer from a month ago,” said SEA President Kate Biester in a statement Saturday. “They showed no willingness to rescind the recent anti-union policies and no recognition for classified staff; it is clear the district is not taking this moment seriously.”
Vick said the situation differs from past high-profile school strikes in the state, like that of Denver Public Schools educators in 2019, where district leadership was more actively engaged in negotiations.
“In the case of Denver, there was a genuine interest in district leadership finding a quick resolution, but in this case, the district leadership has not been willing to engage in the same manner,” Vick said. “Everybody who has a stake in this community has been trying to reach a settlement. And thus far, they have ignored all of it.”
According to the district, "sufficient staffing” at the Early Childhood Center, Alice Terry Elementary, SOAR Academy, and Fort Logan Northgate has allowed schools to reopen.
“Families have been really supportive, but they are the ones that are, unfortunately, caught in the middle of all this,” said Vick. Childcare and school meals are still being provided as other campuses, including the local high school, remain closed.
In a letter sent to families Friday, Superintendent Dr. Gionni Thompson acknowledged the disruption but said the district is “working collaboratively” toward a resolution.
Union leaders, however, say they’re prepared to stay out of the classroom until changes are made.
“Educators have worked under this district’s instability and without a contract all year. We will not back down. We will stay on strike until district leadership is ready to seriously address the issues affecting our schools and finally do right by the people who serve Sheridan students every day,” Biester said.
The CEA tells CPR News more teachers are on the line today than last week and that the strike appears to be growing stronger.
CPR News reached out to the district for a statement on the ongoing strike and its impact on students, but had not heard back by the time of publication.
Editor's Note: This story was updated to include a statement from a Sheridan parent and to clarify the number of students in attendance during the strikes on Monday.
