Prince William County, Va. — Teachers are expected to take to the streets Friday afternoon in protest.
Educators said they will gather at Va. 234 Prince William Parkway and Minnieville Road near the Prince William County Public Schools administration complex to once again let school leaders know they’re not happy about the prospect of not receiving a raise.
The rally, sponsored by Concerned Teachers of Prince William County, will gather between 3 and 6 p.m. with hopes to draw commuters’ attention to their plight.
“The teachers of Prince William County are coming together to Rally for Education. We want to draw attention to the current budget situation – and the overall lack of support financially for education and educators in Prince William County,” stated an email notifying media of the event.
The group stated they’re not involved with any political organization.
Prince William schools Superintendent Steven L. Walts’ $932 million proposed budget does not account for any new teacher pay raises for the next three years but will keep staffing levels the same.
Outraged, some Prince William teachers protested inside the Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chambers, and some began “working to the rule” – only working the mandated seven hours per day that’s mandated by their contracts.
In response to the “work to the rule” protests, Walts sent a letter to teachers reminding them strikes are not allowed in Virginia, and that teachers, per their contract, must participate in afterschool activities.
*This story has been corrected. Original information provided to PotomacLocal.com noted the planned rally’s location on Va. 234 near The Prince William County Public Schools Administration Complex.
