District staff joins statewide ‘walk in’ for education funding

LYNN HAVEN — Teachers and students across the state participated in a “walk-in” — rather than a walkout — Wednesday morning to protest lack of funding in Florida’s public education sector.

About 400 schools in 44 counties were represented in the walk-in, organized by the Florida Education Association (FEA) and local unions.

Several teachers and students at Mowat Middle School rallied in front of the school in solidarity, most wearing unifying red shirts and blouses, and entered through the office building as the work day began. Staff members at other campuses, such as Deerpoint Elementary, also participated.

For the FEA, the walk-in was a call for funding increases in public education throughout the state. For the local union, the Association of Bay County Educators (ABCE), receiving a funding increase is far more critical because of Hurricane Michael.

“We shouldn’t have to choose between classroom supplies and classroom books. We shouldn’t have to choose between layoffs and keeping the lights on in our school,” said Alexis Underwood, Bay District teacher and president of ABCE.

In Florida, teachers are barred from striking. In addition to termination, striking will cause a public employee to accumulate fines, lose benefits, and carry additional consequences to future jobs if re-employed.

“I’ll be honest. What we’re working for is to save 600 jobs in our school district. That’s our immediate need,” Underwood said.

Since Hurricane Michael, the district has lost 3,679 students, resulting in a decrease of $12.4 million in funding to cover operational costs for the 2018/2019 school year. Next year, that number is expected to double.

Kelly Thomas is a math teacher at Mowat and in her ninth year teaching in the county.

“Today we are showing solidarity with our students, our teachers. Walking and showing that we need support for our public schools, our children, our teachers, for everyone that’s involved in the school system,” she said. “Without the schools, the community is going to suffer.”

During a news conference last week, Superintendent Bill Husfelt said without additional funding, layoffs and cut positions are imminent.

“We’re worried we’re going to lose a generation of young professionals and not be able to get them back,” Underwood said.

In addition to layoffs, a lack of additional funding will result in more school closures and further economic disruption.

Underwood said the walk-in reaction from the union members has been overwhelmingly positive.

“I don’t know how many schools are participating but we believe it’s the majority of schools in the Bay District,” she said. “Right now, people are walking in to try and send a visible message to our legislators that our kids are worth the investment. We either invest now, or we pay later as a society.”

This is the first time the FEA has held a walk-in and the premise, according to Underwood, is to draw attention to the wants of the citizens.

Underwood said as long as legislators help the education sector appropriately, she doesn’t mind that the Florida Constitution forbids teachers from striking. Ultimately, it’s about providing for the children, she said.

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FROM THE NEWSROOM