School District 11 Reinstated Teacher Angelica Givler-Viers
The Colorado Springs board voted to allow a dismissed fifth grade teacher to return to the classroom under probation.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Administration
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The School District 11 Board of Education voted 4-3 to reinstate Angelica Givler-Viers, a former McAuliffe Elementary fifth grade teacher. The decision follows a recommendation from an administrative law judge who found the district lacked sufficient legal grounds for her initial termination.
Why it matters
The board reinstated the teacher to a one-year probationary status after an appeal through the Colorado statutory teacher-dismissal system. The decision effectively reverses the district's move to terminate her employment in December 2025.
The board's 4-3 vote permits the return of the teacher for one year of probationary status. This followed a community gathering where approximately 100 people attended a board rally.
The players
Angelica Givler-Viers
She is a fifth grade teacher who successfully appealed her termination from McAuliffe Elementary.
Thomas Carey
He is a member of the Board of Education for School District 11 who voted against the teacher's reinstatement.
Charles Johnson
He is a school board member in District 11 who opposed the move to return the teacher to her classroom.
Jason Jorgenson
He is a board member who voted in the minority against the reinstatement of the educator.
The details
Angelica Givler-Viers was originally placed on administrative leave by the district in late 2025 prior to her formal termination. The district previously faced broader labor tensions, including a one-day strike that occurred on October 8, 2025.
Timeline
October 8, 2025: District 11 held a one-day strike.
December 2025: The board voted to terminate the teacher.
September 23, 2026: The board voted to reinstate the teacher.
Culture Shift
The case highlights the influence of the Colorado statutory teacher-dismissal system in navigating labor disputes between educators and local boards. This process serves as a check on administrative termination authority, mirroring broader national trends toward codified teacher protection laws.
The return of the teacher to McAuliffe Elementary marks a shift in classroom staffing for families within the district. Parents and students can expect changes to their daily academic routine as the teacher transitions back to the classroom under the terms of her new probation.
The takeaway
This case demonstrates the legal weight of administrative judge recommendations in public school employment disputes. Teachers facing termination should be aware of their rights to appeal through formal statutory systems.
Further reading
Learn more about local school board policies in the Administration section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Colorado Springs Gazette.
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