Salem Community Schools will be among a growing list of Indiana School districts to take the day off to lobby for better conditions for teachers.
The Salem School Board announced at its regular board meeting Monday night that all three schools will take a snow day on Nov. 19 to allow teachers to participate in Red For Ed Action Day at the Indiana State House.
Salem is added to the list of over 75 other school districts taking the day off to allow educators to attend the political rally.
At last check, more than 7,000 Indiana teachers had registered to attend the Red For Ed Action Day at the Indiana Statehouse for the Indiana General Assembly Organization Day.
The Indiana State Teachers Association organized the event to gather support from teachers statewide to voice their concerns to lawmakers on issues like school funding, teacher pay and standardized testing.
Teachers will be asking legislators to be held harmless from the ILEARN results; salary increases and removal of the 15-hour externship requirement, where teachers have to work in a community field to renew their teaching licenses.
“We are supporting our teachers in the effort and trying to help them have their voices heard,” said Salem School Board President Rebecca White. She said canceling classes was the best way to do that due to a safety issue with reduced staff size.
“Also it’s been difficult to find enough substitute teachers to cover for those teachers planning to go to Indianapolis,” she said.
The Washington County Family YMCA Preschool at Bradie M. Shrum will also have the day off.
East and West Washington School are planning on being in session on Nov. 19, although West Washington School Board did vote to allow ten teachers to attend the rally.
Organization Day is made up of the swearing-in of new and returning General Assembly members as well as the annual first roll call of all state lawmakers.
White said the day would be made up either in December or February.
