Jeffco Public Schools announced Wednesday that it won’t hold classes on March 19 because large numbers of teachers are expected to take the day off to protest at the state Capitol.
The Colorado Education Association is holding its annual “Educator Day of Action,” during which teachers rally to push for higher school funding and other legislative priorities.
The district reported that it didn’t have enough substitute teachers to cover the number of expected absences. Students won’t have to make up the day unless there are more snow days called this year.
“We understand that this unexpected change is inconvenient for families,” the district said in a statement. “Please know we exhausted all resources before deciding to cancel school for students.”
CEA representatives said it’s not unheard of for schools to close when large numbers of teachers are at a rally. In 2018, Englewood Schools closed for one of three protest days.
All district-run programs, including preschools, will be closed, though extracurricular activities will go on unless individual schools decide to cancel them. If your child attends a charter school, check with that school to find out if it will hold classes.
Teachers and staff still must report to work that day, or take a personal leave day if they want to protest.
