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Teachers Declare "State of Emergency" as Week of Protests Begins
Photo by KT King via flickr.
A week of protests across the state of California began Monday as part of the California Teacher's Association (CTA) $1 million State of Emergency campaign. Thousands of teachers were expected to participate in sit-ins, teach-ins and protests over proposed budget cuts along with the threat of layoffs, larger classes and the elimination of myriad programs.
"Grade-ins," in which teachers will publicly grade papers, are planned in Orange County (more OC events listed at the Register).
The CTA wants the state to extend temporary increases to the sales, personal income and vehicle taxes that will expire by June 30. But Gov. Jerry Brown favors a special election so California voters can decide how to close the state's remaining $15.4 billion deficit.
The largest protests on Monday were in San Francisco and at the Capitol. LAUSD has set aside Friday (the 13th) for early dismissal to allow teachers to demonstrate. Early dismissal times across the district vary, most are noted on the school's website. LAUSD currently faces a $408 million deficit.
Find out how proposed budget cuts would affect your local school at the K12 News Network.
Follow the State of Emergency campaign via Facebook, Twitter and SMS. More info on this week's actions at castateofemergency.com
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