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Arizona Educators Vote for Funding Walkout

Arizona educators, as part of the #RedForEd movement, have voted in support of a walkout. School districts across Arizona are preparing for the planned teacher walkout that will take place on Thursday, April 26. The announcement said 78% of 57,000 teachers voted for the planned walk out. They will continue non-disruptive walk-ins Monday – Wednesday then walk out on Thursday. Schools across the state have sent notices to parents in anticipation of the event.

Gov. Doug Ducey announced a plan to increase teacher wages 20% by 2020. The complaint is that the governor’s plan does not go far enough and left out support professionals, details on funding, didn’t address reducing number of students in classrooms, new textbooks, and technology upgrades. The teachers want to be at pre-2008 education spending levels. Currently Arizona spends $926 less than they did in 2008.

  • Salary Increase – The 20% increase would take teacher’s salaries to $56,339
  • Restoring Education Dollars – This would require an increase of $1 billion in state funding.
  • Support Staff – Need competitive pay
  • Salaries – Pay raises permanently instituted
  • Taxes – No tax cuts until students are funded at the national average.

Some districts have plans to remain open as long as possible and some have already announced that they will close during the walkouts. The following districts have sent letters home to parents detailing their tentative walkout plans.


Cave Creek School District will send out their official plan on Monday, April 23

Flagstaff Unified School District says it will try to stay open if possible 

Peoria Unified School District says it will try to stay open if possible

Tempe Unified High School and Elementary districts will stay open during the walkouts

Mesa Public Schools will be closed during the walkouts

Deer Valley Unified School District will be closed during the walkouts

J.O. Combs District says it will try to stay open if possible

Avondale Elementary District says it will try to stay open if possible

Paradise Valley School District will be closed during the walkouts

Gilbert Public Schools will be closed during the walkouts

Alhambra Elementary School District will be closed during the walkouts

Balsz School District says it will try to stay open if possible

Maricopa Unified School District will be closed during the walkouts 

Cartwright School District will be closed during the walkouts on Thursday, April 26, Friday, April 27 and Monday, April 30