On Friday, May 13, scores of Culver City teachers, parents and students gathered to protest continued education cuts. The local rallies, part of a statewide protest organized by the California Teachers Association and directed at California lawmakers, urged public support for Gov. Brown’s temporary tax extensions.
Wearing red t-shirts with the words “Who’s Next?” written on them – symbolizing the uncertainty of many educators’ jobs – teachers from Culver City’s El Marino Language School urged parents to take action. The cacophony of honking cars and chanting students, along with signs asking parents to call state representatives, made a dramatic start to Friday’s school day.
“Our real mission is to provide an excellent education for our students and we felt that this demonstration would be a perfect way to display our unified commitment to the schools of Culver City,” said El Marino Principal Tracy Pumilia.
Similar demonstrations were held at each Culver City school campus and were supported by a broad coalition of administrators, support staff and PTA, as well as educators, parents and students.
The California Teachers Association is urging citizens interested in supporting tax extensions to call (888) 268-4334. For more information, go to CTA.org.