Oklahoma Teachers March on Capitol


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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - Thousands of Oklahoma teachers, including many from area schools, marched Monday morning at the Capitol picketing, listening to speeches and visiting with lawmakers.
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"Who's house is it? Our house!" teachers chanted as they gathered around the front of the Capitol. After getting some encouragement from several speakers, teachers spent the afternoon walking with protest signs to bring more awareness to their cause.
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Lily Eskelsen García, president of the National Education Association, fired up the crowd saying, "Welcome to the movement!" She ended her speech by singing the lyrics to 'We Shall Not Be Moved'.
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In addition to adult speakers from across the state and country, there were student speeches as well. After the speeches were made, teachers continued to march around the Capitol while others made their way inside the building to rally their legislators.
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Most teachers expressed gratitude that lawmakers were able to raise more than $447 million in taxes to fund permanent raises averaging $6,100. But, they marched on Monday because they felt much more needed to be done including raises for support staff and more educational funding.
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Chisholm teachers had a small send off early Monday morning as they headed south to the Capitol. Enid teachers caravanned to designated spots in Oklahoma City where they were shuttled to the rally. Some participants walked more than a couple of miles before reaching the rally.
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Chisholm teacher, Karen Smith, explained why they marched saying, "They put the raises through but no funding, that doesn't work." She encouraged parents and supporters to email and call their legislators.
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While a majority of local teachers made their way down to Oklahoma City, many stayed in Enid and rallied together at the corner of Van Buren and Garriott. Teachers and supporters held signs that said "Honk for Education". They gathered together at Champlin Park after 5:00pm to show their support.
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Multiple Oklahoma school districts notified parents Monday afternoon that they would be back at the capitol again on Tuesday. Some school districts around the state decided to close all week to allow parents the ability to line up child care.
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On Monday evening EPS announced that due to an increased number of teacher absences, the decision has been made to cancel school Tuesday, April 3. Enid High School will still be providing the FREE ACT to juniors. Learn more about the EPS work stoppage as well as breakfast and lunch options HERE.
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Chisholm Public Schools will be out on Tuesday as well.
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