Colorado teachers rally at the state Capitol amid proposed funding cuts
They are rallying in support of education funding as state lawmakers seek to cut more than $1 billion from the state budget. Some legislators believe they need to make changes to education funding in order to balance state finances.
Educators claim public education has been taking a hit for 15 years and that now it's time for other funding to take a hit.
Several school districts in the Denver metro area canceled classes Thursday because of the teacher demonstration. Those schools include Aurora Public Schools, Adams 12 Five Star Schools, Summit County and half of Denver Public Schools.
Teachers carried signs that read "Fund Our Future," "If You Can Read This, Thank a Teacher," and "Our Students are the Reason."
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CBS News
9 hours ago
- CBS News
Support staff of Colorado school district rallies for union recognition
Support staff and parents at Aurora Public Schools packed Tuesday's school board meeting, demanding a pathway to union recognition, and an end to what they call "union busting" inside the district. Education Support Professionals (ESPs) -- including paraeducators, bus drivers, nutrition workers, custodians and front office staff -- say they keep schools running, but have no voice in decisions that impact their jobs and students. Presently, only licensed staff such as teachers have the right to unionize at APS. Last semester, more than 60% of classified ESP employees signed a petition in support of forming a union. "We do work that is critical to making our school run," said Brandi Edmonds, an educational assistant at Clara Brown School. "We support our high needs students, keep buildings clean, make sure students get to and from school safely, feed our students daily. We deserve a voice in our district." Edmonds said her role extends far beyond teaching technology classes for students. She also acts as her school's IT support. Despite that, she doesn't qualify for the same bargaining rights as teachers. "It sucks. It's really scary, and it's unfortunate," Edmonds said. "We have so many staff who are so important in so many ways that don't have the protections that teachers do." Workers said they are fighting for fair wages, stronger benefits, bilingual pay, and job-specific training that would better prepare them to support students. At Tuesday's rally, Edmonds called out what she described as intimidation tactics from district administrators. "APS administrators have been illegally threatening and intimidating workers, saying that they cannot form a union and not to talk to organizers," Edmonds told the crowd. "But we are not going to sit by while our co-workers are threatened. The majority has spoken, and we demand respect, dignity, and a say in our working conditions -- because our working conditions are our students' learning conditions." In a statement, APS said, "We have no knowledge of threats or intimidation. That is not representative of who we are as a district. Because this is a pending proposal, we are unable to comment further at this time." Liz Waddick, vice president of the Colorado Education Association, said support staff unions already exist in other districts, including Cherry Creek and Boulder Valley. "There has never been a better time for workers to organize," Waddick said. "It shows a real functioning school district when workers have the right and a say in their contract and working conditions." APS wasn't able to comment further on their demands, as they're just now getting the petition. This wasn't an agenda item Tuesday, but the board listened to their concerns. They said this won't be the end of this conversation. "I hope the school board hears us," Edmonds said. "We're struggling and we need their support."
Yahoo
09-08-2025
- Yahoo
Election 2025: School levies and other measures filed for Summit County ballots
Here's a look at local ballot issues and charter amendments for the Nov. 4 general election that were submitted to the Summit County Board of Elections by the Aug. 6 deadline: School levies in Cuyahoga Falls, Tallmadge, Springfield Voters in Cuyahoga Falls will be asked to renew a 7.5-mills tax for the schools to pay current expenses. Tallmadge voters will see a proposed renewal of a 5.7-mills tax for the schools to use in paying current expenses. Springfield Local Schools is putting two renewals on the ballot. The first is outside the ten-mill limitation, and meant to gather $1.5 million in emergency funds to the district. The second is a 1.8-mills tax that the county fiscal officer estimates will collect $302,430 annually to be used for general permanent improvements in the district. Other levies to be decided across Summit County Countywide, voters will be asked to renew and increase by 0.5-mill a 2.95-mill tax for the benefit of the County of Summit Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADM) Board. Macedonia is asking voters to renew a tax for paying current city expenses. New Franklin voters will decide whether to renew an expiring 5.75-mills tax for its fire department. Norton is seeking renewal of a 5.6-mill tax, and 3-mill increase, for fire department and emergency medical services. Peninsula is asking voters to consider renewing a 3-mill tax for road improvements. Bath Township's voters will decide on renewing a 7-mill tax with a 0.5-mill increase ship for police services. Coventry Township voters will have a 0.95-mill replacement levy before them that will allow the township to pay current expenses. Voters in Northfield Center will be asked to renew a 1.4-mills tax for the general construction,reconstruction, resurfacing and repair of its roads and bridges.. In Springfield Township, voters will weigh an additional 1.5-mills tax for police and emergency medical services. What charter amendments will be on the ballot? Barberton has 19 proposed charter amendments that voters will have to decide on, including one that would replace partisan elections with non-partisan elections, and others that authorize revisions to several departmental directors' qualifications and responsibilities. Hudson is seeking to place eight charter amendments before voters, but City Councilman Skylar Sutton said on his Facebook page that the council's passage of the slate was one vote shy of the five required by city charter to advance emergency legislation. As such, the amendments could be ruled ineligible for the ballot by the Summit County Board of Elections. One amendment proposes changing city council members' salary to meet the state's minimum retirement credit threshold. Another asks whether or not to add a section to the city charter that would establish the Military and Veteran's Commission. In Cuyahoga Falls, there are three proposed amendments on the ballot. One changes the terms for council ward seats from two to four years. Another revises how council vacancies are filled, while the third revises how mayoral vacancies are filled. There's one charter amendment that voters will see countywide. It proposes limiting taxation pursuant to Ohio Law and the Ohio Constitution; and placing a limitation on unvoted property taxes under the Charter to 2.2 mills and prohibit the increase of property taxes greater than 3% annually in aggregate. Contact reporter Derek Kreider at DKreider@ This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Levies, other measures filed for Nov. 4 election in Summit County Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
09-08-2025
- Yahoo
Election 2025: Here's who filed to appear on Summit County ballots
Voters across Summit County will decide local contests Nov. 4 when polls open for this year's general election. Pending ballot certification, here's an overview of who has entered races — including those who had to file by the Aug. 6 filing for nonpartisan contests: Who is running for city council in Summit County? Akron: Democrat Fran Wilson will face off against independent candidate Acacia Reynolds to represent Ward 1. In Ward 8, incumbent Democrat Bruce Bolden will run unopposed after defeating challenger NJ Akbar in the May primary election. Fairlawn: All three ward races are uncontested, with Joseph V. Gentile Jr. running in Ward 1, Todd Stock in Ward 3 and Michael John Detorakis in Ward 5. Hudson: The city's three at-large seats are up for grabs — with two incumbents, Council President Chris Banweg and Karen Heater, in the mix. Also running are Kyle Brezovec, Samantha D'Eramo, Will McGinley and Amanda Weinstein. Macedonia: Four candidates are vying for three at-large seats, including incumbents Jessica Brandt and Vini J. Ventura. Also running are Sue Cummings and Matt Ferraro. Munroe Falls: Three candidates for two at-large seats include incumbent Jim Iona as well as Chris Ritzinger and Timothy M. Vesey. Ross Widenor is is running unopposed Ward 1. In Ward 3, John Impellizeeri — who currently holds an at-large seat — Connie Collinson will face off. Reminderville: Four candidates filed for four at-large seats, including incumbents Mark Kondik and Becki Kovach. Positioned to join them are Brandon LaWayne Board and Victoria Jeromos. Stow: Five candidates filed for three at-large seats — incumbents Cyle Feldman, Kyle Herman, Jeremy McIntire are joined in the race by Josh Wall and Kim Young. Ward 2 incumbent Kelly Coffey faces challenger Sindi Harrison. Three council members are unopposed for reelection in their wards: Matt Riehl (Ward 1), John M. Baranek (Ward 3) and Mario Fiocca (Ward 4). Twinsburg: Incumbent Scott Barr faces challenges for his at-large seat from Shaun Castillo and Laurie Facsina. Incumbents David Post (Ward 4) and Greg Bellan (Ward 5) are running unopposed for their seats. Who is running for village council in Summit County? Boston Heights: Four positions are on the ballot. Incumbents Bob Bartko and Sasha Chetyrkina-Miller are joined in the race by Christopher Fenn, Seth Wells and Susan Wells. Clinton: Four spots are on the ballot, and none of the five canidates are incumbents: Ellen R. Conroy, Kent Goch, John Henry, Sarah Henry and Tom Knepper. Lakemore: Four candidates filed for the four seats up for election. Incumbents Nicki A. Coontz and Jon Strittmatter will be joined on the council by Joseph Robert Hogya and Samuel Ray. Mogadore: The three current members whose seats are up for election are unopposed: C. William Bauer, Mary K. Miller and Michael Raddish. Northfield: The four ward races are uncontested: incumbents Alan E. Hipps (Ward A), Renell M. Noack (Ward C) and Nicholas M. Magistrelli (Ward D) and newcomer Zach Hebebrand (Ward B). Peninsula: Four seats are on the ballot, with eight candidates vying for them — none are incumbents: William Cole, Lori Dooley, Amy Frank-Hensley, Daniel Krachinsky, John Patrick Najeway, Jim Nash, Jodi R. Padrutt and Moe Riggins. Richfield: 10 candidates are competing for four spots. Only two are incumbents — Rick Hudak and Jeff. The rest of the field: Carol Campbell, Monica Ann Day, Michael K. Lyons, Jeffrey Newman, Pat Norris, Joyce Parton, Jim Smith and Dave Woytek. Silver Lake: District A incumbent Thomas DiCaudo faces challenger James Kurtz. Three incumbents are unopposed for reelection: Kevin Rozsa (District B), Philip Kaplan (District C) and Matthew J. Plesich (District D). Summit County township races Bath: Two trustee spots on the ballot; incumbents Sean Gaffney and Sharon A. Troike are joined in the race by James McClellan. Laura Tuttle is unopposed for fiscal officer. Boston: Three candidates for the three trustee posts — incumbent Amy Z. Anderson as well as Mike Anderson and Nicholas Daryl Janigian. Copley: Three candidates for two trustee spots; incumbents Scott David Dressler and Bruce Koellner are joined in the race by Robert Campbell. Roy Speer is unopposed for fiscal officer. Coventry: Edward D. Diebold and Jeff Houck are unopposed for reelection as trustees. Northfield Center: Two trustee posts will be claimed by incumbent Russell F. Mazzola and Gene Lim. Richfield: Don Laubacher and Robert Luther are unopposed for reelection as trustees. Sagamore Hills: David DePasquale and Paul Schweikert are unopposed for reelecion as trustees. Springfield: Kellie J. Chapman and Joe DiLauro are unopposed for relection as trustees. Twinsburg: Three trustee posts on the ballot will be filled by incumbent Jamey DeFabio and newcomers Jessica Favitta and Keith Harris. Other unopposed races Akron Municipal Court Judges Ron Cable and Jon A. Oldham are seeking reelection unopposed, as is Stow Law Director Drew C. Reilly. Summit County school board candidates (Asterisk denotes incumbent) Akron: Four seats — Diana Autry*, Cynthia D. Blake, Gwen Bryant, Gregory B. Harrison*, Carla Jackson*, Nathan R. Jarosz, Karmaya Kelly, Keith Mills and Phil Montgomery. Barberton: Two seats — Brenda Stevenson Rickenbacker. Coventry: Three seats — Josh Hostetler*, Laura McGraw* and John Sulek. Copley-Fairlawn: Three seats — Jim Borchik*, Stephen M. Coon, Beth Hertz*, Gregory Ryan Potts and Carl Talsma. Cuyahoga Falls: Three seats — Jennifer Allen, Anthony D. Gomez*, John R. Sans, Carrie A. Schaefer*, Meghan Weakley and Courtney Zimmerman. Green: Three seats — Bob Campbell*, Tod J. Daniels, Nick Fanelly and Katie Stoynoff*. Hudson: Three seats — Mark Dzurec*, Ryan Patti, Jon C. Peterson and Kirstin Toth. Manchester: Three seats: Jason Jividen*, Dale A. Jolly, Richard P. Sponseller* and Brian M. Young. Mogadore: Three seats — Michael LiCause, Triston Smead and Christopher G. Williams*. Nordonia Hills: Three seats — William B. Busse, Sandra A. Caramela-Miller, Matt Ford and Jason L. Tidmore Sr.*. Norton: Three seats — Chris Inks, Glen Nazworth, Elisa Staats* and Cindy Webel*. Revere: Two seats — Jeffrey Aram Bowler, Jennifer Burke, Hayden Hajdu* and Keith Malick*. Springfield: Three seats — Amy Campbell, Cynthia Frola*, Donnie Furlong*, Chad Lance and Kelly Warne. Stow-Munroe Falls: Two seats —JoAnne Loparo, Kathrine Dannemiller, Tina Merlitti, John Moyer, Jason Whitacre and Pamela Wind*. Summit County Educational Service Center: Two seats — Clarissa M. Allega, Michael Chadsey, Claire Jimerson and Edward Sturkey*. Tallmadge: Three seats — Michael Donnell, Todd Loughry*, David S. Parry, Kimberly Polatas and Jennifer Ross. Twinsburg: Three seats— Kelly Ameche, Rhonda Crawford*, Chris Kraska, Joe Revay, Merkisha Rush, Lea Travis* and Mark R. Wesner. Woodridge: Three seats— Tammy L. Heffernan*, Scott Karlo*, David Lydic* and Danielle Murphy. Contact reporter Derek Kreider at DKreider@ This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Election 2025: Here's who filed to run in Summit County races Solve the daily Crossword
