Kelsey Gray, from the Columbus Education Association, emphasized the importance of Ohio stopping the defunding of public schools and services.
Despite the rainy weather, a large crowd gathered at the Ohio Statehouse to advocate for public education.
More than a thousand people gathered at the Ohio Statehouse to protest for teachers.
Bailey Culp, a teacher’s son, recognized the dedication of educators who continue to teach under difficult circumstances due to lack of funding.
The protest was sparked by Gov. Mike DeWine’s proposed budget, which includes more than $100 million in cuts to public education over the next two years, according to Policy Matters Ohio.
“Our message is for the state of Ohio to stop defunding our public schools and our public services,” said Kelsey Gray, the co-chair and organizer of the Columbus Education Association and a founding member of the Central Ohio Rank and file Educators.
“We have to stand up and we have to be here and speak out,” said Sheila Harris, who works for food services at West Broad Elementary School in Columbus.
“Public education is not a Republican or a Democrat issue… I know how hard it is and how much they work for us. I feel like the least we could do is work for them and give them what they need to do their jobs,” Culp said.
Culp said he supports the fight because he’s seen the struggle.
“Making sure that teachers don’t have to worry whether they can afford their classroom materials, not have to go back to voters in their school districts and ask for property tax increases for levies over and over,” Culp said.
The protesters said they are pushing for fair and full funding of Ohio’s public schools as well as protections and collective bargaining rights for “our workers, students, their families and communities,” Gray said.
“The number of people out here show that public education is supported by a wide variety of Ohioans,” Culp said.
It’s a message they hope state lawmakers hear loud and clear.
“We can come together, and we can make a change,” Harris said.
The Ohio House passed its version of the budget last month, which includes $550 million in public school funding than in the last two years. The Senate is now set to start hearings on it.
Gov. DeWine must sign the budget by June 30.
