Arizona educators could walk out of classes for sixth day on Thursday

PHOENIX — Arizona educators and supporters could spend a sixth day protesting at the state Capitol on Thursday as lawmakers struggled to pass a budget that would give teachers and support staff raises.

Noah Karvelis, a music teacher from Tolleson and one of the main organizers with Arizona Educators United, the group behind the Red for Ed movement, told KTAR News 92.3 FM that organizers are asking teachers if they want to continue to walk out.

Karvelis said the organization will make a final decision based on those answers, but said they will most likely continue their walk out on Thursday.

In a video on the Arizona Educators United Facebook page, another set of organizers rallied teachers to head to the Capitol until the budget was passed.

“We need you here at the Capitol tomorrow if you can get here,” said Dylan Wegela with the organization.

“We need everybody here at the Capitol until the budget is passed.”

The development was the latest since the organization announced on Tuesday that educators would return to school on Thursday if the Arizona Legislature could pass a proposed budget.

“If the lawmakers do their job and get the budget passed by Thursday, we commit to return to our classrooms then,” said Rebecca Garelli, an elementary school teacher from the Alhambra School District and one of the organizers.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Griselda Zetino contributed to this report. 

Related

Multiple Arizona districts to reopen classrooms this week amid walkoutArizona school districts that remain closed for teacher walkoutsArizona educators could return to class soon if lawmakers pass budgetTeachers spend fifth day of walkout at Arizona Capitol, wait for budget newsDeveloper selected to create main street district in Peoria master-planned communityWeekend wrap: Here are the biggest Arizona news stories from July 31-Aug. 2