(Kentucky) - Several schools in Kentucky will be closed Monday including those in Boone and Kenton Counties.
Many teachers and staff members are heading to Frankfort for a rally at the state capital. They are unhappy about a recently passed pension reform bill that makes changes to school worker's pensions. Some teachers also have said they are upset about state funding cuts.
Meanwhile, a group of teachers, parents and students will be showing their support for Kentucky teachers on Monday, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Mall Road in Florence.
With the Kentucky legislature currently considering significant cuts to education, along with funding for charter schools that would further impact public schools, and the already passed pension bill, Boone County Schools have cancelled classes in order to give their educators, staff and parents the opportunity to have their voices heard in Frankfort on Monday. Not all teachers and parents are able to travel to the capital, so one high school social studies teacher decided to practice what he preaches.
"My wife is 38 weeks pregnant, so it isn't an option for me to travel to Frankfort right now - as much as I'd love to go," said Jay Heilman, high school social studies teacher at Conner High School in Hebron, Ky. "I wanted to make sure my voice was heard, along with all the other teachers and parents who can't make the trip down south on Monday."
Supporters are meeting at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot of Ashley Furniture, located at 8040 Burlington Pike in Florence, Ky. From there, they will disburse along Mall Road with signs that indicate why funding public education is important to them.