'Day of Action' could lead to schools closing for a day across Oregon for teacher protests
EUGENE, Ore. - Teachers across Oregon are planning to take to the streets to rally for funding on May 8th.
The Oregon Education Association has called for May 8th to be a 'Day of Action.' Teachers will protest current funding and demand more for K-12 education.
Bethel School District spokesperson, Pat McGillivray says he supports his teachers and believes more funding is long overdue.
McGillivray says with so many teachers taking part in the walkout, they don't have enough substitutes for their 54,000 students, making it necessary to close Bethel schools on May 8th.
“They depend on them for their education, transportation, meals, every single day so we can support the cause but we cant support the action,” said McGillivray.
Essential staff like administration, office staff, maintenance, custodians and some transportation for special programs will still be on hand on the 8th.
Springfield public schools say they don't plan to cancel school while Eugene 4j has confirmed that they will be closed due to "staffing shortages."
