Arizona’s top public schools leader calls Thursday’s planned teacher strike "shameful."
“I implore the teachers of Arizona not to do this and not to hurt our children and our families,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas at an Arizona State Board of Education meeting Monday.
Douglas said she has advocated for more teacher pay, but does not support Thursday’s walkout.
“In my opinion a strike is absolutely the wrong way to achieve this goal,” Douglas said.
She added that special needs students and low-income families will be negatively affected if schools close.
“The damage that can be done may be irreparable and in my opinion, that’s shameful.”
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Douglas went on to say state law pertaining to teachers' unexpected resignation might apply to educators who walk out.
Individuals could also file a complaint against a teacher who strikes to the state education department.
Arizona’s attorney general last issued a legal opinion on teacher strikes in 1971.
