Survey: 170 Okla. school districts prepared to close for teacher walk out

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — A survey shows that 170 school districts are prepared to close for at least one day if legislators do not fund education and teacher pay raises.

The survey is a collaborative effort from the Oklahoma State School Boards Association, Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration, Organization of Rural Oklahoma Schools and United Suburban Schools Association. The groups reached out to 264 Oklahoma school districts that education nearly 550,000 students.

The study shows that 170 school districts are planning to close April 2 if demands are not met. The Oklahoma Education Association wants a $10,000 teacher pay raise over the next three years, $5,000 for state employees over three years, increased funding for education and raises for school support staff. Of those districts, 48 plan to close indefinitely while 16 plan for only a one day closure.

Those districts planning for closures education nearly 500,000 students. The survey shows that most are planning to continue offering some school-related activities depending on the availability of coaches, sponsors and volunteers.

Schools plan to offer ACT/SAT and AP testing but are uncertain about testing at elementary and middle school grade levels.

The survey shows that the majority of districts surveyed will offer food to students while school is closed.

See the complete findings of the survey below: