Teachers union president resigns

Irma Valerio, president of the Colorado Springs Education Association, plans to resign, she announced Tuesday night.

The teachers union’s board of directors also accepted the resignation of board member Tom Watson, Valerio said Wednesday.

Valerio will continue to serve as president until July 7, she said. The newly elected vice president, who takes office July 1, will take over the president’s position. A new vice president will be appointed, Valerio said.

In a letter posted on the CSEA Web site, Valerio said the “CSEA Board is divided and the focus is not on our membership at this time. It is obvious we cannot move forward as a Board and as an organization if we continue with the current climate.”

Wednesday, she said “personal things” have divided the board, and there was no connection between her resignation and an investigation into possible misuse of public funds.

Colorado Springs School District 11 is investigating Valerio and other teachers for possible improper reimbursement of $1,000. D-11 Chief Financial Officer Glenn Gustafson said the money was paid back to the district.

Details of the investigation could come later this week.

The CSEA president is paid what they would earn as a teacher. Valerio earns about $68,000, she said. The union pays 75 percent of the salary, while the district pays 25 percent. The president also works 20 extra days, which are paid for by the 1,588-member union.

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0394 or shari.griffin@gazette.com