More than 1,000 Colorado teachers call out, hold rally against ‘shady’ school board members

Four Republican school board members are accused of holding secret meetings; it's believed the intention was to force the superintendent out of his position.

CASTLE ROCK, Colo. – More than a thousand teachers called out sick in Douglas County on Thursday, forcing the district to cancel class. Those same teachers held a rally outside of the administration offices in Castle Rock to protest actions taken by four school board members.

On Monday, teachers and parents learned of secret meetings held between four Republican school board members. They are accused of having those meetings in violation of open meetings laws, also colloquially described as “Sunshine Laws.” They require elected officials to hold discussions on the record. It’s believed the intent behind those closed-door meetings was to force Superintendent Corey Wise out of his position.

Many teachers, parents and students took issue with the accusations after they came to light this week. In response, more than 1,300 called out of class. Many attended the rally that garnered a crowd of more than 500 people.

“I’m just continuing to fight the good fight,” said 7th grade teacher Jennifer Cancino. “I will just continue to try and have my voice heard on behalf of myself and my colleagues and my students.”

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