The #RedForEd movement has been fighting for funding in Arizona schools since April. In Winslow, the movement began with a “walk-in” on April 11. That day, educators, administrators, students and parents walked in to their schools as a group to help raise awareness of the movement. First grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School, Clairyssa Ballesteros said, “The goal is to help inform our community members and to see who in the community is here to support us.”
Educators strived for higher pay for teachers and support staff, as well as better overall funding for schools. Ballesteros stated, “This is more about restoring funding for kids and getting them what they need.”
Since the “walk-in,” Arizona teachers have “walked-out.” Winslow schools closed district wide on April 26. Winslow schools have reopened as of last week. The decision to reopen followed four school days of #RedForEd walks and marches in town as well as several area educators marching at the state capital as legislatures worked toward a budget agreement. Holbrook School District closed for two days and Joseph City teachers remained in the classroom.
According to organizers of the movement, educators have demanded five key components be present in the budget. First, a 20 percent salary increase, the restoration of funding to 2008 levels, competitive pay for educational support staff, a permanent salary with annual raises and no new tax cuts.
Those that marched on the capital were heard chanting, “No budget, no school,” intending to stay out of their classrooms until Governor Doug Ducey signed an agreeable budget plan. The Governor did not meet the demands of #RedForEd proponents but did sign a $10.4 billion dollar state budget. In it, Ducey agreed to a 10 percent raise for teachers next year with an additional 10 percent by the year 2020. Ducey also increased state spending on classroom education $200 million more than he originally agreed to. However, there has been no indication that the funding has a sustainable source, making it unclear where the money will come from.
