The reactions began as soon as the deal was announced, with a tweet from Gov. Jared Polis expressing relief that the labor dispute between the Denver school district and its teacher union was over.
Polis was among the many Coloradans weighing in about the end of the strike that kept many Denver teachers out of schools for three days this week. Like him, many said they were excited that schools could begin to return to normal, while people on both sides of the dispute claimed political wins. We’ll document the reactions here.
Gov. Jared Polis declined to intervene before the strike, saying that doing so could slow down the path toward a resolution. Here’s his complete statement today:
I am pleased that after months of negotiations, both sides stepped up, worked together, and found a solution that works for our district, our educators, our parents, and most importantly our children.
While it’s unfortunate that this agreement was not reached prior to the strike, today’s results are a testament to Denver Public Schools and the Denver Classroom Teachers Association’s commitment to working together in the best interest of our children.
Denver’s kids are the biggest winners in today’s agreement, and I think everyone is relieved that the strike is over and students and teachers will be back in school working together to build a brighter future for themselves and our community.
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock made the Denver Public Library’s central branch available for bargaining, kept the building open through the night, and sent over food for teachers and district officials. His statement notes the role he played during the strike:
It’s good news that the DCTA and DPS have reached a tentative agreement. I know from the several calls and meetings I undertook with both sides, that it has been challenging to build trust and reach an agreement. Our students are the biggest winners with this deal, and I’m sure they’ll be happy to have their teachers back in their classrooms.
Here’s what Lily Eskelsen Garcia, president of the National Education Association teachers union, tweeted this morning:
All week, the nation has looked to Denver with hopeful hearts. We are so proud of Denver’s educators and this historic agreement that will provide greater opportunity for students and stability for their schools. @ColoradoEA @DenverTeachers #DCTAstrong #RedForEd @AmieBacaOehlert pic.twitter.com/0RLeyaAgi6
— Lily Eskelsen García (@Lily_NEA) February 14, 2019
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