ENID, OK - Enid Public Schools announced on Thursday that they would continue their walkout on Friday, April 13 but would return to classes on Monday, April 16. That announcement had barely been broadcast when the Oklahoma Education Association informed teachers that they were ending their statewide walkout.
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Dr. Darrell Floyd, Superintendent, posted a press release thanking parents for standing by EPS employees during the two week walkout. He stated, "The progress made by our teachers and support staff to better fund education would not have been possible without your patience and support."
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Floyd continued in his statement, "I would like to especially thank our teachers and support staff for their tireless commitment to this important cause. They and their colleagues -- from every corner of Oklahoma -- have made an incredible difference for our students, our schools, and our state. Thanks to their efforts, the State Legislature has dedicated significant new funds to Oklahoma schools for teacher pay raises, support employee raises and operational expenses, including textbooks."
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Enid Public Schools provided all employees with a survey to determine whether or not school would be closed during the walkout. They -- as a team -- directed the walkout effort.
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On Wednesday's survey, the majority of EPS employees notified the district that they would like for classes to resume no later than Monday. EPS felt it was important to honor the request and after reviewing the survey results they met with EEA leadership. They asked employees again on Thursday if they would like for classes to resume on Friday or on Monday. EPS employees voted to resume classes on Monday, April 16.
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Floyd announced that part of the day Monday, schools will celebrate EPS, public education and local teachers. They’re calling it #MakingaDifferenceMonday, and students will be given the opportunity to make posters and share thoughts about why they love their schools and their teachers. Additionally, #MakingaDifferenceMonday will give students the opportunity to get back into their school routines before testing begins later in the week.
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OEA Facebook press conference video above. Click here to view.
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Also on Thursday, the Oklahoma Education Association announced that it had polled its members and learned that 70 percent were not sure if any additional funding would be found even if the walkout continued.
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"We need to face reality. Despite tens of thousands of people filling the Capitol and spilling out onto the grounds of this Capitol for nine days, we have seen no significant legislative movement since last Friday," OEA President Alicia Priest said.
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Priest said that while the walkout is ending, their fight for increased funding will continue.
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OK Teachers Walkout Has Ended
