Denver teachers prepare to strike amid pay dispute

DENVER (AP) — Denver teachers are planning to strike Monday after failed negotiations with the school district over base pay.

The Denver Classroom Teachers Association released a statement Saturday saying the district’s proposal lacks transparency and “pushes for failed incentives for some over meaningful base salary for all.”

Teachers plan to picket around the city beginning Monday as the district tries to keep schools open by staffing them with administrators and substitutes.

The two sides disagree on pay increases and bonuses for teachers in high-poverty schools and other schools that the district considers a priority.

Teachers want lower bonuses to free up money for better overall salaries. The district says the bonuses are key to boosting the academic performance of poor and minority students.