My 2 Cents: Schools Shut Down So Teachers Can Lobby At Capitol

So is it OK, or justifiable at least, for Tulsa Public Schools to shut down next Monday so that teachers can drive to Oklahoma City and lobby legislators for more money for themselves and their classrooms?

Tulsa teachers plan to join other teachers from around the state for a rally at the State Capitol a week from Monday.

Don't just discount this as a money grab.

They know there's already a money shortage at the state house, but of equal concern is the teacher shortage statewide. Folks, we're training them at our universities then they're leaving for neighboring states to make more money, and our kids' education is suffering because of it.

Sounds like there's starting to be some creative thinking at the capitol to turn it around. One lawmaker wants to exempt teachers from paying state taxes. That would increase their pay $3,000 to $4,000 a year. That would be a respectable start and definitely worth considering.

Now back to my initial question: Should Tulsa schools close Monday for the rally? They'll use their last snow day to do it, and while it is not ideal because it will inconvenience many parents, it does help to express the urgency of the situation.

I'm Kelly Ogle and that's My 2 Cents.