Hundreds Say They Will Walk Out of Class Thursday in Support of Teachers

Santa Cruz High School students are planning a major walkout and protest Thursday to support their teachers who are negotiating a new contract Friday.

Despite threats from the school's administration, the students say they will leave classes at 9:45 a.m. and walk to the clock tower downtown.

Students have organized the protest on Facebook at a site called School Wide Walkout.

"As some of you may know the teachers union is protesting. The teachers aren't being paid by the school board for the overtime they have worked. In protest the teachers will only work their contracted hours," the site says. 

"This means students don't get the extra help from teachers that we are used to. Without the teachers volunteering their time we can't have club meetings, get college letters of recommendations or get any help outside of class. 

"We will stand in solidarity for our teachers and show our support for them with a school wide walk out!"

Teachers haven't had a raise since 2008 and say they were promised cost of living increases if Proposition 30 passed earlier this year. After it passed, they say, Superintendent Gary Bloom only offered them a 1 percent raise.

Bloom got a 1 percent raise and a cut in hours last year. He makes $157,000; the average salary for the district's 433 teachers is $51,000.

Protest organizer Esther Willa encouraged students to buck the administration's threats on the Facebook page:

"For those of you who have gotten a call from the school telling you to go to all your periods tomorrow or you will "pay the consequences" look at the rules for Santa Cruz High. The worst that can happen is you will get a detention. It is everyones personal choice if they appear for the demonstration tomorrow but we hope to see everyone in the from of the school tomorrow at 9:45!! Also, just a reminder that we will be peaceful and respectful. We have to stay on the side walk as to not interfere with traffic as well."