The Orange County teachers union is staging a “walk in” this morning to show support for public education and neighborhood schools.
The event, to start at 8 a.m. in Orlando, is part of a statewide effort to push Florida lawmakers to earmark more money for public education. Events are scheduled at about 300 schools in 41 counties across Florida, according to the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association.
In Orlando, parents and community leaders plan to gather with educators at the flagpole at Howard Middle School in Orlando and then cheer teachers on as they walk into school for their work day.
These “walk ins” aim to show of “solidarity” with teachers and of support for better funding for the state’s public schools, said Wendy Doromal, president of Orange’s union.
The Florida House and Senate, in session in Tallahassee, both have proposed state budgets but they are not in agreement on funding for public schools.
In Florida, per-student spending and teacher salaries typically rank it among lowest of the states.
Howard Middle is at 800 E. Robinson Street, and participants plan to start gathering at 7:45 a.m.
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