“Red for Ed” is echoing over both traditional and social media as teachers voices grow in number.
A “Red for Ed Action Day” is planned Tuesday at the Indiana Statehouse. Thousands of educators, administrators, parents and students are expected to rally in Indianapolis as lawmakers return to conduct organizational meetings ahead of their 2020 legislative session.
According to the Indiana State Teachers Association, more than 13,000 teachers are expected at the rally. It is also estimated that 117 school districts statewide will be closed Tuesday — meaning more than half a million Hoosier students will be out of school that day. Crawfordsville Community School Corporation canceled classes ahead of Tuesday’s union-led rally because of a lack of available substitute teachers. As of Friday, 60 teachers from the Crawfordsville district planned to attend the rally.
South Montgomery School Corp. expects 13 teachers to attend the rally, while North Montgomery School Corp. will have 11 teachers there. The two rural districts in Montgomery County will
remain open Tuesday.
Many of these local teachers will carpool to the Statehouse. Others, who are not going, plan to wear red shirts and sweaters to show their solidarity.
“Red for Ed” grew as a response to measures state lawmakers have made affecting teachers. Teacher unions are pushing for better salaries for teachers; rolling back the use of student test scores to evaluate teachers and schools; and repealing new license requirements as they pertain to professional development.
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb isn’t expected to be around the Statehouse on Tuesday. His office said he will be in Florida for a Republican Governors Association conference that was scheduled months ago.
Holcomb hasn’t criticized school districts for closing the day of the rally, saying it was a local decision and that he applauds teachers for expressing their voice.
Those wishing to express their concerns are urged to contact the local legislators:
• State Rep. Dr. Tim Brown, District 41, 800-382-9841, H41@iga.in.gov
• State Sen. Phil Boots, District 23; 800-382-9467; Senator.Boots@iga.in.gov
• Rep. Sharon Negele, District 13, 800-382-9841; H13@iga.in.gov
The Associated Presss contributed to this report.