Sheridan teachers' strike tensions ratchet up over health care benefits

https://www.cpr.org/2026/04/23/sheridan-teachers-strike-health-care-benefits/

By Jenny Brundin
·
Apr. 23, 2026, 5:28 pm

The two sides in the Sheridan teachers’ strike clashed again this week, with the union accusing the district of discontinuing health care benefits, and the district stating that coverage hasn’t been cut off but can’t be fully subsidized.

The three-week-long dispute prompted intervention from Gov. Jared Polis on Thursday morning, with his staff meeting with both sides to reach an agreement to bring teachers back to school.

“This really must end now,” Polis said in a statement Wednesday evening. “If an agreement that puts students first is not reached, I will bring all parties together to find a real path forward. We must put student success and learning first.”

Health care premiums
The Sheridan Educators Association claimed that a mass email informed staff that benefits would end May 1, potentially leaving educators owing thousands in back-payments for April premiums.

FULL story: https://www.cpr.org/2026/04/23/sheridan-teachers-strike-health-care-benefits/


Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite
Members of the Sheridan Educators Association picket outside of Sheridan High School on the first day of a strike. April 1, 2026.