D60 teachers strike for third day in a row, preparing for the long haul
For the third day in a row, hundreds of teachers and paraprofessionals marched through downtown Pueblo.
Today, their picket line nearly doubled. An estimated 2,000 people started at the D60 administration building and then marched through downtown Pueblo before finishing at the Mineral Palace Park.
Emotions among teachers are still high. Tonya Quintana said, “we really get angry because we’re the largest department in the district, so if we can’t get the 1% COLA, than no other department should.”
At the rally, Pueblo Education Association President, Suzanne Ethredge addressed the crowd, hoping to keep their spirits up. She said, “it’s time to prioritize our classrooms, prioritize our students. It’s time to get back to do what we do best, educating children and we’re ready.”
A D60 school board member was also in attendance. Taylor Voss, who has been supportive of teachers said, “the time has come for our district and our community to unify and make sure that we’re moving forward together.”
On their third day of walking in the Pueblo heat, teachers said they were nowhere near giving up. Nick Toczek said, “if you started it, finish it. They’re going to walk all over us if we don’t finish it.”
The union has requested a meeting between them and the district for tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. We’re still not sure if that meeting has been confirmed. Picketing will move back toward schools and then at noon, collect at the D60 administration meeting.
