Some Kentucky schools have already canceled classes Monday ahead of a rally in Frankfort

Some Kentucky school districts not already on spring break are canceling Monday's classes to allow teachers to travel to Frankfort and rally for public education, saying "drastic times call for drastic actions."

The closures come after 29 school districts across the state shut their doors Friday when hundreds of teachers called in sick in protest of the hastily passed pension reform bill that cleared both General Assembly chambers Thursday night.

A rally at the state Capitol on Monday, advocated for by the statewide teachers organization, is intended to remind lawmakers to keep students' best interest in mind as they vote for the state budget.

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And some districts, it seems, want to let their teachers join.

"Drastic times call for drastic action," a post on the Boone County School district Facebook page said.

"Although, closing school is the last thing anyone wants to do, one of the reasons for this decision to close school is because educators feel one of their main responsibilities is to advocate for the children of the Commonwealth," it continued. "We have attempted every other means of communication, action, and advocacy. Now it seems that our Governor and Legislature still have not internalized the importance of putting our students and families first."

The Kenton County School District also announced Saturday that it would be closed on Monday "so #TeamKenton can advocate together in Frankfort as one team."

"After discussions with our board and receiving messages from members of our team, we are all in agreement that #TeamKenton will stand united for public education, our TEAM and our KIDS!"

Dozens of school districts, including Jefferson, Oldham and Bullitt County Schools, will be on spring break Monday, freeing their teachers to travel without having to cancel school.

Other districts not on spring break that have announced plans to close Monday include Letcher, Floyd and Meniffee county schools.

More than 500 teachers traveled to a rally in Frankfort on Friday morning. Even more are expected to converge on the state capital Monday morning, particularly with teachers unions advocating for a strong presence.

The Jefferson County Teachers Association is providing two school buses to transport teachers and encouraging others to wear red and carpool to Frankfort.

A conference committee controlled by majority Republican leaders in each chamber is still meeting in private to hammer out a final agreement on the budget and tax bills, but a tax measure is expected to be presented Monday for a vote.

On Friday, KEA President Stephanie Winkler said teachers will be watching to see whether lawmakers pass a budget that is "in the best interest" of Kentucky students. If they don't, she said, the union isn't ruling out a statewide walkout.

"Everything is still on the table," she said.

Darcy Costello: 502-582-4834; dcostello@courier-journal.com; Twitter: @dctello. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: www.courier-journal.com/darcyc.