Protesting teachers refill Okla. Capitol
Say pay raise governor approved isn’t sufficient
OKLAHOMA CITY — Hundreds of teachers walked out of classrooms and crammed into the Oklahoma Capitol for a second day on Tuesday, shouting “Where’s our money?” to demand more aid for public schools, amid a rebellion of educators in Republican-led states across the country.
Rowdy teachers booed lawmakers when the Oklahoma House adjourned. House officials initially called on state troopers to clear the gallery but later backed off. Education advocates filled the Capitol to capacity, and troopers limited access to the building.
Leaders of the state largest teachers union, the Oklahoma Education Association, said the strike would continue a third day on Wednesday. School districts in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Edmond, Norman and other communities across the state announced they would remain closed to honor the walkout.
“We’re going to pack the Capitol,” union President Alicia Priest said.
Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin signed legislation last week granting 15 to 18 percent higher salaries to teachers. But some educators — who haven’t seen a pay increase in 10 years — say that isn’t good enough and walked out.
Priest said teachers reject the argument that there isn’t enough money to provide additional funds for classrooms. They urged lawmakers to pass legislation that would repeal the capital gains tax exemption, a measure that would yield up to $100 million.
“There’s revenue out there,” Priest said.
Oklahoma ranks 47th among states and the District of Columbia in public school revenue per student, while its average teacher salary of $45,276 ranked 49th before the latest raises, according to the most recent statistics from the National Education Association.
The demonstrations were inspired by West Virginia, where teachers walked out for nine days earlier this year and won a 5 percent increase in pay. Teachers in Arizona are now considering a strike over their demands for a 20 percent salary increase.