With a teachers’ strike in Sheridan School District 2 entering its 17th day — the longest in more than four decades — Gov. Jared Polis is pressing both sides to reach a deal as the dispute draws state attention and potential intervention.

“This interruption is really hurting kids and families. Sheridan students have missed weeks of meaningful instruction, allowing students to fall behind during an important part of the school year and leaving parents scrambling,” Polis said in a statement Wednesday.

“This really must end now.”

Polis threatened state intervention if an agreement isn’t reached by Wednesday to get students and educators back to the classroom.

“If an agreement that puts students first is not reached, I will bring all parties together to find a real path forward,” Polis said.

Members of the Sheridan Education Association voted to strike last month after contract negotiations could not be resolved.

The teachers’ contract with the district expired in July.

The teachers’ contract with the district lapsed last summer. Union leaders told The Denver Gazette’s news partners 9NEWS they are pushing for more transparency from the district, particularly when it comes to school calendars and employee pay.

Teachers and staff picketed Thursday in front of the administration building. Others held informal classes at the Englewood Recreation Center, where more than 40 students were focused on writing and reading comprehension.

“We’re not striking for higher pay,” said Zachary Ast, a special education teacher at Fort Logan Northgate.

Ast, who has been with the school district for five years, has been on the picket line every day since union members walked out on April 1.

He noted that 17 days marked the longest strike in Colorado in modern history.

“We don’t want to be in the record book for the wrong reason,” Ast said.

Picketing teachers also accused the district of heavy handedness, alleging officials have threatened to refer absent students to truancy court or holding back graduating seniors.

Jennifer Norville, a music teacher at Sheridan High School, said the district’s high turnover rate means students don’t get the stability they need to succeed academically.

“Those things can’t be built because people only stay a year or two,” Norville said.

Earlier this week, district officials told staff that employees may have to repay their share of health benefit premiums and could lose coverage if the strike continues. Staff were asked to make a benefits decision by May 1 or risk having their coverage terminated.

Superintendent Gionni Thompson declined to answer questions about the negotiation’s impasse, teacher turnover or attendance during the strike.

District officials provided a statement.

“We remain committed to strong and fair work rules and job protection, to competitive compensation and benefits, and to a responsible agreement that is good for students, teachers, support staff, and the entire community,” the statement said. “We are willing to work around the clock to reach an agreement, so that we can welcome all of our teachers back to our schools and return them to full strength and full staffing for our students, families, and community.”

With the strike having stretched into the longest in more 40 years, it also captured the attention of the state legislature, which is considering a bill that would consolidate Sheridan with Denver Public Schools.

Scott Pribble, a DPS spokesperson, declined to comment.

The 1981 Montezuma-Cortez strike lasted roughly 60 school days, making it one of the longest teacher work stoppages in Colorado history.

The Denver Gazette’s news partners 9NEWS contributed to this story.