Educators in Sheridan schools have been working without a contract for months. Now, they’ve authorized a strike. Both the district and the union members said their hope is to settle their disagreements with the district before it comes to that.

Hannah Johnson, a union member and Alice Terry Elementary School instructional support assistant, said they want to see the union expanded from just teachers to include everyone from support staff to bus drivers. They also want more transparency from the district — from teacher pay to school calendars so they can weigh in before decisions are made.

Sheridan School District 2 Superintendent Dr. Gionni Thompson said that’s news to them.

“I’m not quite sure exactly what their concerns are,” Thompson said. “We just want to know what’s the issue. Why have they not communicated with us? Why have they not started the process for recognition? What’s holding them back and how can we support you to get there?”

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