Park County Teachers Strike For Better Pay, New Contract

PARK COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4)- Teachers in Park County weren't in the classroom Monday morning. They were on the picket line.

The teachers decided to go on strike Monday morning after negotiations fell apart last week.

Students will again not have school on Tuesday, district officials announced Monday evening.

"Buses will not run and students will not be in attendance. There will not be any athletic practices or after school activities and the athletic facilities will be closed. Other school operations will continue without students as a regular workday," the district said. "We recognize the inconvenience that these recent actions have caused and we appreciate your patience and hope for a quick resolution."

The teachers are striking for better pay and a new contract. The strike is the third involving teachers in Colorado in the past 18 months. Pueblo and Denver teachers were able to secure new deals after strikes.

The Park County teacher's union said they are striking for livable wages and a new "fair and professional" contract to replace the one that expired in June. District officials have offered a $2,000 raise.

"What we are saying is that we need a compensation package so that the teachers that are here, who love to teach stay here. And if we have positions open, we can attract new teachers that want to come here as well," said Doug Freeman, a teacher.

The strike impacts about 600 students in three schools in Fairplay, located southwest of Denver.

About 42 teachers and 80 staff work in the district.