Districts To Discuss Possibility Of Teacher Walkouts

Teacher walkouts continue to be a hot topic across the state.

While some Oklahoma school districts have not formally announced their support for a teacher walkout, a couple of them are holding meetings in the event the Legislature doesn't step up. 

News 9 spoke to both Oklahoma state Superintendent Joy Hofmeister and the superintendent of Mid-Del Public Schools. They said while the looming walkout is disheartening it should come as no surprise. 

"The current conditions in Oklahoma education, the impact that's having on schools is more significant than walking off the job would be for a period of time. That's the message I'm hearing from our teachers," Mid-Del Public Schools Superintendent Rick Cobb said.

Hofmeister said the walkout is years in the making. That failed bill after bill in support of teacher pay raises have finally brought our educators to their breaking point. 

Just after noon, the Edmond school board voted in support of a walkout.

Deer Creek Board of Education voted Monday night to encourage the Oklahoma legislature to find a dedicated source of revenue that can be utilized to fund a much needed reoccurring salary increase that will be provided to public school teachers in Oklahoma. The Deer Creek Board passed a resolution to support teachers who decide to walkout and those who don't.

The Mid-Del Public Schools Board of Education passed a resolution Monday night in full support of teachers taking any and all necessary measures to demand adequate funding from the Legislature. 

As the potential for a walkout approaches, the Oklahoma City Zoo and several OKC Rec. Centers announced their service to students who will need a place to go. The Zoo will host several all-day camps on weekdays in April in the event of a walkout. Camps will be offered for students ages 4-11 from 8:30-5:15 p.m. for $45 per day. 

Nine recreation centers in Oklahoma City will also open for school children from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. weekdays. Access to the recreation centers is free.