Some Arizona school districts reopening despite continued walkouts

PHOENIX – Leaders of Arizona Educators United announced the teacher walkouts would continue on Tuesday and Wednesday, but that isn’t stopping some school districts from opening their doors.

The Laveen Elementary School District announced Monday that all schools would return to a regular, full-day schedule on Tuesday.

The district previously announced Friday that schools would operate on a half-day schedule Monday, as thousands of teachers descended upon the Arizona Capital for the third day of walkouts, demanding better pay and additional educational funding.

The Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District in Cottonwood, Ariz. also announced schools would return to a normal schedule Tuesday.

In a letter sent to parents, Steve King, the district superintendent, announced that all transportation and food services would “resume as normal.”

“I’d also like to take a moment to express my great thanks and appreciation to local community members; agencies and groups for stepping up to support our children in this most difficult time,” King wrote.

“I also want to thank our staff including our teachers for reclaiming their voice in their advocacy for the children that we serve.”

The Casa Grande Elementary and Casa Grande Union High School districts reopened doors last week despite the ongoing walkouts, and will remain open on Tuesday.

Tolleson Union High School District similarly opened doors Friday, but have since announced in a message on the district’s website that schools will be closed.

“Due to a large number of teachers calling out for this week, it is necessary to close all schools in the district indefinitely,” the message read.

Many districts had anticipated to reopen schools on Monday, but with the walkout scheduled to continue, have adjusted their plans and announced extended closures.

Educators and supporters gathered at the state Capitol on Thursday, Friday and Monday to protest low pay and unacceptable school conditions.

Over 60,000 people are estimated to have gathered at the Capitol over the course of the three-day period, with even more expected as the walkouts continue.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey announced Friday that he, Rep. J.D. Mesnard and the Senate president Sen. Steve Yarbrough had reached a deal that would raise teacher pay by 20 percent in the next two years, an additional $100,000,000 for support staff over a five-year period and no tax increase.

But Joe Thomas, the president of the Arizona Educators Association, and Noah Karvelis, an organizer of Arizona Educators United, rejected the so-called deal in a press release.

“We have no bill. We have no deal. The devil is in the details,” said Thomas and Karvelis. “We know that we have been down this road before. He makes promises that he can’t keep.”

Legislative leaders previously vowed to work through the weekend to finalize the details of the budget so it could be introduced this week.

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