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District 11 board votes not to extend CSEA master agreement; directs handbook and outreach
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Summary
On Dec. 11 the Colorado Springs School District 11 Board of Education voted to let the districts master agreement with the Colorado Springs Education Association expire on June 30, 2025, and asked staff to craft an employee handbook and communications plan; the board also authorized temporary measures to safeguard classroom coverage.
The Colorado Springs School District 11 Board of Education voted Dec. 11 to not extend the districts master agreement with the Colorado Springs Education Association, allowing a 56-year contract to expire on June 30, 2025, and directing staff to develop an employee handbook and a communications plan to explain next steps.
Vice President Haefeli, who moved the motion under Article 19 of the contract, framed the decision as expanding "choice in representation" while preserving pay and benefits. "Your salary schedule will remain intact. Your benefits will not change," Haefeli said, adding the boards aim is to "support you better and create an environment where you thrive." The motion was moved and seconded and was later declared approved after roll call.
The vote followed more than an hour of public comment in which speakers were sharply divided. Maria Bergman, a D11 resident, urged the board to end the agreement, calling it a "once in a generation opportunity to free our school district from the unaccountable grip of a far left special interest group." By contrast, Jacqueline Roberson, who identified herself as a Palmer High School teacher and vice president of CSEA, told the board the agreement "involves things like protecting teacher plan time" and said "the union is our teachers," urging the board to preserve the contract.
Board members gave differing views during debate. Director Bankers said local control requires reevaluating a private corporations role in governing district affairs and supported the motion; Director Art said ending the agreement would be a distraction from student-focused work and said handbooks cannot guarantee the protections contracts provide. Director Nelson said the contract gives a private corporation authority over a public institution and said she would vote against renewal. Director Carey described the core dispute as whether a contract with a private, not-for-profit corporation should constrain elected officials.
President Malpakam told the public staff would present clear communications within 24 hours explaining the follow-up steps and reiterated the boards stated commitment to protecting classroom instruction. Superintendent Gall said the district will develop an employee handbook as directed and will present a project plan at the Jan. 15 work session.
The board also authorized short-term administrative steps to avoid disruption in classrooms as the district transitions away from the master agreement. The meeting adjourned at 6:34 p.m.
Next steps: the board directed staff to produce an employee-handbook project plan and to communicate a timeline and procedural details to staff and the community within 24 hours.
