Over 100 protesters lined the sidewalks around the Douglas County School District building Thursday with signs, flags and banners to protest the school board majority’s alleged conspiracy to force out superintendent Corey Wise.

The district canceled Thursday classes after many teachers submitted absences as part of the protest organized by the Douglas County Federation, the district’s teachers’ union.

Over 100 protesters lined the sidewalks around the Douglas County School District building Thursday with signs, flags and banners to protest the school board majority’s alleged conspiracy to force out superintendent Corey Wise. The district canceled Thursday classes after many teachers submitted absences as part of the protest organized by the Douglas County Federation, the district’s teachers’ union. (Video: Chancey Bush and Jessica Snouwaert/The Gazette)

The absences and rally were in protest of alleged collusion by four members, Mike Peterson, Christy Williams, Becky Myers and Kaylee Winegar, of the seven-member school board, who reportedly gave Wise an ultimatum to either resign or be fired. The three minority members said they were only informed of the ultimatum after the fact.

“It’s financially irresponsible of our school board majority to have any back door deals going on that are illegal,” Kevin DiPasquale, president of the union, said. “It’s also financially irresponsible to think about removing Superintendent Corey Wise because he is leading our district in a positive direction, he’s bringing stability to our staff and our community.”

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Peterson has said in a statement that no action has been taken regarding Wise’s contract.

Late Thursday the district announced it would hold a special meeting at 5 p.m. Friday at the district’s Castle Rock administration office. 

David Ray, a member of the board but not a majority member, said that the four board members violated the Colorado Open Meetings Law by making a unilateral personnel decision without informing the entire board. A part of the Colorado Sunshine Law, the Open Meetings Law requires a state or local government body to conduct or discuss public business in meetings that are made open to the public.

The school board’s majority members did not immediately respond to comment.

The ultimatum for Wise reportedly came after a contentious meeting last week, during which the board voted 4-3 to make changes to the district’s equity policy. Winegar drafted the proposal, she said, in response to “serious and genuine trepidations and worries” about the possibility of the policy leading to critical race theory being taught in Douglas County classrooms.

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During Thursday’s protest, teachers, parents and students gathered in the bitter cold to chant slogans such as “equity matters” and “integrity matters.” Passing cars gave a steady stream of honks and shouts.

“We’re hoping to protest and make it clear that we’re not dispensable and that we have a voice here,” Anne Fisher an elementary school teacher said.

Teachers voiced concerns over the district’s history of a high turnover rate for the superintendent position and the possibility of more turnover if Wise were ousted.

“There are lots of things going on in this district that are disturbing,” said Michelle Dougan, a substitute teacher in the district who taught for over 40 years. “What’s happening now and the chaos that it could create would be very damaging to our district.”

Maleah Anderson, a parent with three children in Douglas County schools joined the rally handing out handwarmers.

“We just wanted to make sure our teachers know we support them no matter what,” Anderson said.

She expressed dismay over the claims about the secret meeting and disagreed with individuals who said the cancellation of classes was detrimental for students. Instead, she saw it as a learning opportunity for students.

“I think this is an incredible experience for our kids,” Anderson said. “It opens up a lot of conversations for us to have and we think it’s really important to support the teachers and be here to show them that.”

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Hugh Johnson and O’Dell Isaac contributed to this story.