In Brief: Spokane teacher walkout would close schools for day

Spokane Public Schools’ administration decided Wednesday that if teachers stage a walkout on May 27, all activities would be canceled for the day.

“The exception is the state high school golf tournament that could occur on the day in question,” said Kevin Morrison, district spokesman. Express child care before and after school also would be closed.

“Basically, it will be treated like a snow closure,” he said.

How and when the lost work and instructional time will be made up is yet to be determined, Morrison said. Two options are being considered. The last school day would be June 18 instead of June 17, and students would attend a full day. Or, eliminate late starts on May 28, June 4 and June 11 and students would attend school for a partial day on June 18.

Police ID officer who shot gunman

Senior police Officer Nick Spolski shot and wounded gunman Craig S. Burton May 6.

Spolski has served with the Spokane Police Department for seven years and was a Marine.

Police were called to a home at 5527 N. Ash St. on reports that Burton had a gun and was suicidal. When police arrived, Burton began shooting a gun. At one point police said they heard Burton reloading, according to court documents. He was reportedly shouting, “Do it,” as he fired.

A body camera worn by one officer recorded 11 gunshots fired by Burton and multiple police commands for Burton to show his hands and drop the gun, according to court documents.

Spolski shot a single round from his department-issued .223-caliber rifle as Burton came out of his backyard and into the alley, according to court documents.

Burton remains hospitalized.