uknightedA contingent of 30 Henryetta teachers are joining their counterparts at Oklahoma City for one final day of the rally to get legislators to add funds for education.
Monday was the last day for the teachers to be out of the classrooms after school was closed for two weeks. Only a few delegates from Henryetta will be going to the Capitol in the days and weeks ahead.
Students will be spending a few minutes longer in their classes from now through the end of  the year as ten minutes are added to the schedule in order to meet the May 17 school year end. Students will be reporting to classes at 8 a.m. and board the buses for the return trip home at 3:45 each day.
The teacher's rally and subsequent funding bills were the topic at a meeting of teachers, parents and area residents Sunday afternoon.
"I have never been more proud to be a part of this group," said Henreytta elementary teacher Beatriz garcia Hodge. She was one of a number of teachers who spent several days at the rally. "We are committed to your kids and this school," she added.
Henryetta fourth grade teacher Amie Turner Johnson said she had her eyes opened to politics during her time at the rally. ""I got educated this last week. They play games there and make deals. We can't let up on the pressure." Johnson urged everyone to stay in contact with their legislators through emails and phone calls. "The fact we got things done is huge."
"We can't become complacent," said HHS teacher Tracy Sontag. "In the past three years, we have been cut $300,000. We let that happen and we have to hold them accountable. At some point, we have to say enough is enough."
The most recent cut in state aid came in March and amounted to $27,000. "That was basically the salary of a teacher," Kathy Snyder told the group.
Looking at the number of candidates filing for office this past week, the teachers said they don't have plans to endorce any particular person yet. The idea of holding a public forum allowing the candidates to speak about their platforms was brought up but no date set.
June 28 is the statewide primary election with a runoff election set August 28. The general election will be held Nov. 6.