Teachers To Walk Out Today Classes Canceled During Riverside Schools’ One-Day Disruption

Thu., June 8, 2000

By Kristen Kromer kristenk@spokesman.com

Riverside High School English teacher Marvin Sather said Wednesday the district’s teachers will hold a “march for democracy” today from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. rather than teaching class.

“We, the teachers of Riverside, will stand up for children,” said Sather, spokesman for the Riverside Education Association and Washington state’s Teacher of the Year. “We need to do this because we need to send a message.”

The walkout is intended to draw attention to problems in Riverside schools and to start a dialogue with parents and other community members about how to solve the problems, Sather said.

Classes were canceled today but will resume Friday. Sather said it was his understanding that the day would be treated like a snow day and made up next week.

Despite regular bargaining sessions with administrators, Riverside teachers have worked this year without a contract. And they say they are frustrated with the leadership of Superintendent Jerry Wilson.

Wilson could not be reached for comment Wednesday, but he has defended his leadership and educational record. He also has said the walkout is a union negotiating ploy.

About 40 parents attended the announcement Wednesday in support of the teachers.

“They’re good teachers, and I think they should be supported,” said parent Linda Hjelm, who has two children at Chattaroy Elementary School. “Parents and teachers need to pull together. They’ve been working the whole year without a contract. Come on, let’s get with it.”

Administrators were continuing contract negotiations Wednesday night and could not be reached for comment.

Sather said 94 percent of the members of the teachers union had voted in favor of the walkout. Teachers expect to be back at work as usual on Friday, he said.

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