Oregon teachers are going away, forcing 600 schools to close. But they do not ask for increases

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Tens of thousands of frustrated teachers will voice their grievances at Wednesday's protests throughout the state. But unlike other teachers' walkouts, these educators are not fighting for higher raises.

They are tired of overcrowded classrooms and lack of support staff, including school nurses and mental health counselors.

"Nearly 45% of all classes reported in Oregon have 26 or more students," said John Larson, a high school English teacher and president of the Oregon Education Association.

Some classes have 56 students or more, he said.

So instead of going to class, many teachers will take unpaid work days to flood at least six protest sites across the state.

The massive exodus of teachers has already forced 25 school districts to close 600 schools Wednesday, Larson said.

The largest district to close, the Portland Public Schools, has more than 46,000 students.

What do teachers want?

It's not just about funding smaller classes. Union members also want:

– More school counselors. Oregon has half of the school counselors that the national experts suggest. And the shortage of mental health counselors is a major concern throughout the country, especially after the recent school shootings.

– More school librarians. Currently, there are only 158 school librarians in Oregon – less than one librarian per district.

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– More school nurses. There is one nurse for 5,481 students. That's four times less than the national recommendations, the OAS said.

– A restoration of art programs, music and physical education which have been reduced by budgetary constraints.

– More funding for school supplies. The OAS said 94% of teachers spend their own money on classroom supplies "to differentiate between what their students need and what districts can provide."

– The adoption of Bill 3427 of the State House, nicknamed the "Student Success Act." The bill would increase funding for kindergarten to grade 12 education by 18%.

What do politicians say?

State Senator Rob Wagner, chair of the Senate Education Committee, said he hoped his colleagues would pass the Student Success Act.

"The Student Success Act specifically increases school revenues, offering targeted investment grants for more mental health support, more after-school programs and much more," Wagner said. .

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"That adds a billion dollars a year to Oregon schools, as the districts are able to determine where they need it the most." This is a unique investment in a generation for our children. "

If the bill is passed by the legislature, Governor Kate Brown is ready to sign it, said her office.

"The governor supports Oregon educators who are coming together Wednesday," Brown's office said in a statement.

"His budget proposal included funding to reduce class size, help teachers solve the mental health and behavioral problems students face, and continue to expand opportunities for students to learn. career-related learning for students. "

But the union says it will not back down as schools will not have more resources for students.

"We are pressuring lawmakers they have never seen us," Larson said.

Why are so many professors protesting these days?

The Oregon event is the latest in a massive wave of teacher walkouts that kicked off last year in West Virginia and are spreading like wildfire this year.
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Last week, thousands of teachers from North and South Carolina invaded their capitals, demanding more mental health counselors, higher salaries and more money for support staff.

Union leaders say the national anger stems largely from the state's cutback in education during the recession a decade ago. Despite the improvement in the economy, many education budgets have not caught up, especially with respect to inflation.

So what will happen in Oregon if the demands of teachers are not met?

"There are no more long-term walkouts currently planned," said Larson, "but Oregon educators will do everything in their power to ensure that our schools can afford what the students need. "

Keith Allen of CNN contributed to this report.

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