Thousands of Kentucky teachers hoisted signs and chanted “we love our children” on Friday as they called on legislators to reject the Republican governor’s vetoes and restore increases in education spending.
Classes were canceled around Kentucky as teachers descended on the Capitol, wearing red T-shirts and carrying signs that said “I love my public school.” The rally took on a festival-like atmosphere as teachers sat in lawn chairs or sprawled out on blankets. Crosby Stills, Nash and Young’s hit “Teach Your Children” bellowed out of loud speakers before speeches began.
“I don’t want to be out of my classroom. I want to be in my classroom instructing future citizens but I’m afraid that spending at the state level is getting worse and worse and we need those dollars for a 21st century education,” said Stephanie Ikanovic, who has been a teacher for 21 years.
Schools closed in Louisville, Lexington and more than 30 other districts to accommodate all the workers wanting to attend the rally in Frankfort. Other districts sent delegations but planned to keep classes open.
Lawmakers will convene Friday to consider the governor’s vetoes, and the votes in the Republican-controlled Legislature are expected to be close. Kentucky police said they might limit the number of teachers inside the state Capitol for safety reasons.
The unrest comes amid teacher protests in Oklahoma and Arizona over low funding and teacher pay. The demonstrations were inspired by West Virginia teachers, whose nine-day walkout after many years without raises led to a 5 percent pay hike.