Schools shut down as teachers converge on Capitol for rally

Laura Brothers, left, and Jordann Hardin, both from Northridge Elementary, hold signs and wave Thursday as teachers rally at Northwest Expressway and N Meridian in Oklahoma City during rush-hour traffic. [Photo by Doug Hoke, The Oklahoman]

In what is expected to be one of the largest political demonstrations in recent Oklahoma history, thousands of teachers, students and education advocates plan to gather Monday at the state Capitol, setting up a showdown with lawmakers over funding for public schools.

After it had originally set a demand for more than $800 million in additional education and state funding, the Oklahoma Education Association marked April 2 as the launch of a statewide teachers strike.

Lawmakers responded last week with more than $400 million in new spending, including a teacher pay raise.

But without a significant amount increase for public schools, especially after a decade of cuts, the Oklahoma Education Association said the teacher walkout was still on.