Clackamas district to close schools May 8 due to teacher walkout, rally
PORTLAND, Ore. — The North Clackamas School District has decided to close its schools, district-wide, on Wednesday, May 8, due to a planned teacher walkout and rally.
On Monday, April 15, Superintendent Matt Utterback sent a letter to parents explaining the situation.
According to district spokesperson Jonathan Hutchison, they do not know exactly how many teachers are expected to participate in this non-NCSD-sponsored and unpaid event, "but the number will exceed our ability to cover the absences with substitutes."
Thousands of teachers and staff across Oregon schools are expected to gather in Salem, "as we send the message that it’s time to fix the funding shortage in our schools," the rally's website explains.
The North Clackamas School District has roughly 17,300 students. District officials explained that make-up days will be needed and that the School Board will discuss at their April 25 meeting how to extend the 2018-2019 school year by one additional day due to the May 8 closure.
Other districts are also expected to close May 8 due to the teacher shortage as a result of the planned walkout and rally.
This is a developing story. Stay with KATU for updates.
READ THE LETTER FROM THE DISTRICT BELOW:
April 15, 2019
Dear North Clackamas Parents/Guardians:
This letter is to inform you that North Clackamas School District (NCSD) will cancel the school day for students on May 8, 2019.
Many teachers are planning to participate in a statewide teacher walkout on May 8 to call attention to the need for increased state investment in public education. The NCSD School Board and I share our teachers’ goal of convincing the Legislature to make a significant new investment such as lowering class sizes, restoring lost programs, and increasing counseling support. However, an employee walkout is not endorsed by the school district.
Due to the impact of staff absences on this day and lack of substitutes, we are not able to ensure safe and adequate supervision for our students. At this time, we are determining what services and activities may safely occur on May 8. This includes athletics, CARE services, AP/IB exams, among others. More information will be shared in the coming weeks.
Additionally, as a result of this closure, the School Board will discuss at their April 25 meeting to extend the 2018-2019 school year by one additional day in order to compensate for the lost day of instruction on May 8. NCSD will update families once the School Board has made a decision.
NCSD understands how disruptive this action may be, and if there was a viable way to keep schools operating while ensuring student safety, NCSD would not be making this decision. This year has featured several calendar disruptions resulting from inclement weather, and this labor action is yet another logistical challenge for everyone. I appreciate your flexibility and will keep you updated in the coming weeks.
Sincerely,
Matt Utterback
Superintendent
