CONTACT
Angelina Reed
Denver Classroom Teachers Association
areed@coloradoea.org
720-663-7618
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22,2024
Educators Return to Work Amidst Pay Dispute with Denver Public Schools
Denver,CO – As educators eagerly return to work this week,they do so amid an ongoing pay dispute between the Denver Classroom Teachers Association (DCTA) and Denver Public Schools (DPS) that began last year.
“Coming back to work this week is a mix of excitement and frustration. I’ve loved connecting with my students,but it’s also tough knowing the district isn’t holding up their end of our agreement. Many of us are stretched thin,with some educators juggling multiple jobs just to get by. Our students deserve better,and so do we,” said Katie Allen,third grade teacher and DCTA vice president.
Educators received their first paycheck today under an imposed pay scale that fails to honor the negotiated 5.2% cost of living increase. Instead,DPS has imposed a 2.06% increase originally created as a contingency plan. The 2.06% COLA falls 3.14% short of what they’re contractually entitled to,creating a financial shortfall that impacts educators’ ability to keep up with rising costs on groceries,gas,housing,and healthcare.
The pinch point is even more painful after a historic and unprecedented year at the legislature where the budget stabilization factor was bought down to zero and where other school districts chose to honor their educators with cost of living adjustments. This includes:
- Jefferson County Public Schools – 5% COLA,steps and lanes,and a 2% salary bonus
- Mapleton Public Schools – 5.27% COLA,plus steps and lanes
- Boulder Valley Public Schools – 4% COLA,plus steps and lanes
- Cherry Creek Public Schools – 4% COLA,plus steps and lanes
- Westminster Public Schools – 3% COLA,plus steps and lanes
In response,DCTA members across Denver Public Schools are showing solidarity and demanding their contractually obligated 5.2% COLA. Today,they are taking collective action by wearing green and stickers that read “5.2% COLA NOW,” displaying their commitment to fighting for fair compensation and better working conditions.
Today educators are reporting confusion regarding their paychecks. Creating fear,uncertainty and doubt about what they can count on in their paycheck.
Rob Gould,special education teacher and DCTA president,stated,“Educators have not been this confused about their paycheck since the Denver Teachers Strike in 2019. Today,the district applied forms of one-time salary lump sum pay increase to some educators’ paychecks,which feels like an attempt to confuse and distract educators from the real issue at hand. They aren’t honoring our agreement.” Gould added,“The district’s antics are adding to educators stress,forcing them to worry about their paychecks while creating meaningful connections with their students. What DPS is actually doing is enforcing a contingency plan meant for a recession. However,we know that Colorado’s economy is not struggling,but our educators are. The district has the funds available,and it’s time they follow through on their commitment to the dedicated educators who show up every day to serve the students in DPS.”
In June,the DPS Board of Education approved the budget for the 2024-2025 school year,which includes an additional $15.9 million in reserve savings. This amount exceeds the district’s required reserves by 10% and surpasses the 3% reserve requirement set by Colorado’s TABOR laws.
While the pay dispute will be heard in arbitration,DCTA looks forward to lifting up the facts and merits of the case. They believe that the most important issue at hand is that committed and dedicated educators are struggling to make ends meet while working for DPS,and the district needs to honor its obligation to fair pay for their educators.
“As Denver Public Schools administration attempts to brush over this dispute,educators’ voices cannot be ignored. When we are wronged by our employer,we will come together and speak out,” said Rob Gould,special education teacher and DCTA president. Gould added,“DPS has reaped the benefits of our advocacy,while short handing educators in long-term salary gains. We are determined to fight until our financial agreement is honored.”
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