The leader of Oklahoma's third-largest school district told teachers Thursday they run the risk of alienating lawmakers and eroding community support if they participate in a planned walkout.

Edmond Public Schools Superintendent Bret Towne praised teachers for their efforts in getting a pay raise bill passed, but discouraged them from participating in Monday's walkout, which is being organized by the Oklahoma Education Association.

"What I am asking teachers to do is return to work on Monday while sending a significant number of teachers to represent the district at the Capitol; thus allowing Edmond to hold school on April 2," Towne said in a letter. "By having school and sending representatives to the Capitol, we can ensure teachers' voices are being heard, while at the same time meeting the needs of our students."

Gov. Mary Fallin on Thursday signed a $474 million tax hike bill into law that will fund average teacher pay raises of about $6,100.