Liberty High School students walk out to protest taking away a planning period from teachers

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- More than 100 students walked out of Liberty High School in Colorado Springs Wednesday morning.

Members of the senior class organized the protest, which is centered around the flag pole just outside the front doors. They say the protest pertains to a recent scheduling decision by District 20 that teachers say would take away a planning period and replace it with a new course.

The district confirmed with 13 Investigates that Academy School District 20 Superintendent Thomas Gregory has been visiting high schools this week to discuss the planning period change. Wednesday, he's visiting Liberty High School.

Students told 13 Investigates they chose to protest Wednesday to send a message to Gregory.

On February 2, the Superintendent sent an email to all faculty and staff in District 20. The email informed high school teachers that 'a full teaching load for high school teachers will include twelve-course sections' starting next fall. Currently, D20 high school teachers are required to teach 11-course sections in a school year.

"Now, more than ever, students need increased support and expanded options to reach their potential, progress successfully toward graduation, and ultimately realize their hopes and dreams," Gregory said in an email to faculty and staff throughout D20. "Students in entry-level courses, students in advanced courses, and every student in-between need the support that an expanded schedule can offer.  Whether strategically double blocking certain courses, expanding course offerings, introducing new programs, or adding lab components (to name a few), the ability to support student growth and achievement will be improved with this change.  After much discussion with principals, I am confident they will work with you to implement an improved support system for students with the goal of minimizing the overall impact on you."

On the other hand, high school teachers tell 13 Investigates they are being asked to do more work without more pay. At the same time, a planning period is being stripped from teachers' schedules.

At Wednesday's walk-out, student organizers sided with the teachers. One senior told 13 Investigates they fear this will negatively impact the educations of future students throughout the school district.

“Really what it comes down to is what we can gain from our teachers," said Camden Sharkey a senior at Liberty High School. "If our teacher has an extra class that semester that means we will be getting less work that will actually help us in the long run. I have talked to teachers as well who say their students have noticed when they have (the new schedule) because they are getting less assignments They are getting less feedback, and they don’t feel like they are getting as much for the class overall.”  

In a statement to 13 Investigates, Academy School District 20 said they are proud of their students for peacefully protesting and using their voices to support what they believe in. Superintendent Gregory was unavailable for an interview.