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District 11 to close schools next Friday for teacher demonstration

Posted at 8:35 PM, Apr 20, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-20 22:35:26-04

Colorado Springs District 11 Superintendent Nicholas Gledich sent a letter to parents Friday announcing the district plans to close schools next Friday. 

That’s the day teachers and staff from multiple districts around Colorado will demonstrate at the state capitol for more public education funding.

The district said it doesn’t have enough substitute teachers or administrators to cover the number of absences from schools that day, and made the decision ahead of time to close schools next week.

This includes preschools. 

The district said it anticipates returning to normal scheduling the following Monday.

The full letter is listed below:

Dear District 11 Families and Community,

In anticipation of high levels of teacher participation at a rally in Denver on Friday, April 27, 2018, we do not have enough substitute teachers or administrators to cover the projected number of teacher absences, therefore School District 11 will be closed for students on Friday April 27. This includes preschools. It is always a difficult decision to cancel school for students, but the safety and quality of learning experiences must remain our highest priorities. Normal school operations are scheduled to resume Monday, April 30.

We thank you for your continued partnership and unwavering support, which has contributed significantly to student achievement and success. The Board of Education, myself and our staff are deeply appreciative of our community, as you have demonstrated your value for public education through the generous passage of the November 2017 Mill Levy Override (MLO), that will provide critically needed resources to our school district. Together with our excellent teachers and staff, our students will benefit from an exemplary education.

The Colorado Springs Education Association (CSEA) is joining in support of the statewide education association in supporting this statewide teacher rally on April 27th. As you may be aware, K-12 public education funding and the long-term stabilization of the Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) system are problematic in Colorado. Public education school boards, staff, parents, and other supporters have become increasingly vocal in their advocacy for increased funding for our statewide K-12 public schools and the stabilization of PERA. There is a belief among these groups that years of low funding is having a significant impact on our ability to attract quality candidates into the teaching profession and is impeding the ability to effectively deliver the high level of educational experience our students deserve.

I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our families, but I’m pleased to be able to make the announcement in advance so families may make needed arrangements. Extracurricular activities will proceed as scheduled, unless you hear differently directly from your school.

Thank you for your continued support of School District 11 and all of our schools. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve your family.

Sincerely,
Superintendent

Nicholas Gledich