Colorado Springs, Colo. – Starting at 4:30 p.m. on November 10, a crowd of educators, parents and local residents will gather for a “Message Mile” protest that will span seven blocks of Uintah Street, from Cascade Avenue to El Paso Street. The demonstration is organized by the Colorado Springs Education Association (CSEA) and is intended to press District 11 leadership for greater transparency and accountability.
What protesters are asking for
CSEA’s press release states that demonstrators will call for the public release of an independent third‑party investigation into allegations leveled against Superintendent Michael Gaal and Deputy Superintendent Brandan Comfort. The union also accuses district leaders of placing culture‑war politics above professionalism and of favoring secrecy over openness.
Background to the protest
The current protest follows earlier calls for transparency. In September, the District 11 Education and Community Help Organization (ECHO) rallied more than 100 community members for a “rally for transparency and accountability” ahead of a special board meeting. Those earlier gatherings set the stage for today’s larger “Message Mile,” which aims to keep pressure on the school board as it considers how to address the allegations.
Community response
Local parents and teachers have voiced frustration that the district has not yet released the findings of the investigation. Many say the lack of information erodes trust and hampers the ability of schools to focus on student learning. “Our children deserve a district that operates openly and puts education first,” one parent told KRDO13.
District 11’s position
District 11 officials have not yet issued a detailed response to the upcoming protest. In past statements, the district has emphasized its commitment to student safety and academic excellence, while noting that any investigation must follow proper legal and procedural channels.
How to follow the event
KRDO13 reporters will be on the ground to cover the demonstration and to seek comments from both district representatives and CSEA leaders. Residents who wish to join the “Message Mile” are encouraged to arrive early, wear masks if desired, and respect traffic and pedestrian safety along Uintah Street.
Why this matters for Colorado Springs families
School‑district governance directly impacts classroom resources, curriculum decisions and the overall learning environment for thousands of students. When parents and teachers feel excluded from the decision‑making process, it can undermine confidence in public schools—an institution that many families rely on for both education and community stability.
By demanding an independent review, the protestors hope to ensure that District 11 leadership is held to the highest standards of honesty and responsibility, reinforcing the values of traditional families and faith‑based communities that prioritize transparent, accountable institutions.
For ongoing updates on the protest and other local education news, follow KRDO13’s coverage on its website and mobile app.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
