Pueblo District 60 moves forward from teachers strike

Classes at Pueblo city public schools will reopen Monday, but last Spring’s teachers strike still weighs on many.

Teachers in District 60 walked out of the classrooms for a week in May in protest against low compensation.

Even though the picket signs have been set down, that doesn’t mean teachers or the district have forgotten, and distrust remains for some.

“Individually there still is some resentment,” says Michael Maes, the Vice President of the Pueblo Education Association. “But as a whole, of course, we’ve got to move forward.”

Maes says moving forward with the district and working together on building a better relationship is key for creating a better learning environment for the students. However, many teachers are skeptical.

“Can we trust the school district to listen to us and take what we have to say seriously?” asks Maes. “That’s really the big issue, it’s really trust.”

So far Maes says the verdict is out on whether or not the district has made enough efforts to build a solid line of communication with the teachers in Pueblo.

With a contract between teachers and D60 in place for the 2018-19 school year. The district hopes to build a stronger relationship.

“We are really in a position we haven’t been in before and it’s really good position for the school district,” said Dalton Sprouse, Communications Director for District 60.

Some parents are hoping the picket signs are in the past. Ana Gomez is sending her young son off to Belmont Elementary for the first time this fall.

“This is my son’s first year in school and the fact that it might be disrupted because they might protest again. I find it concerning,” said Gomez.

When asked if another protest could occur again, Maes wouldn’t rule it out. If teachers feel there is unfair treatment they will be ready to fight.

Right now, the teachers and district are optimistic heading into the future.

Negotiations for the 2019-2020 teacher contract starts next February.