Teachers, staff and supporters urge District 70 to preserve collective bargaining protections

Teachers, support staff and union allies told the Pueblo County School District 70 board that collective bargaining agreements are important to classroom instruction, working conditions and student learning.

Ella McIndoe, a 18‑year social studies teacher in District 70, listed six provisions she described as vital in the CBA—protected planning time, annual leave guidance, a transparent salary schedule, fringe‑benefit bargaining, evaluation language and reduction‑in‑force rules—and said those provisions help the district recruit and retain teachers. “Planning time is critical for preparing instruction,” McIndoe said.

Jenny Proffer and other speakers argued CBAs protect planning time, guard against larger class sizes and provide a framework for adding counselors, psychologists and social workers. “By boosting teacher pay, improving working conditions, including protected plan times, we reduce turnover and increase educators’ voices on the job,” one commenter said.

Gail Purcell contrasted private liability insurance with membership benefits through PCEA, CEA and NEA, saying union membership offers proactive access to trained representatives and attorneys for education law, representation in investigations, grievance procedures and professional development—services she said go beyond reactive insurance defense.

Support staff also spoke in favor of bargaining. Crystal Terrell, a custodian, said being in a union provides clarity about proposed changes, protections for pay and job duties, and ‘‘some peace of mind’’ about employment stability.

District response and context: District leaders recognized staff contributions (including bus drivers and custodial staff) and said they would continue routine operations amid the governance dispute. The public comment portion highlighted broad grassroots support for the bargaining process from teachers, clerical staff and other classified employees.

What’s next: Commenters encouraged the board to preserve collective bargaining protections during any governance changes and asked for future meetings where union representatives can present details. The board acknowledged public comment and scheduled a subsequent meeting.