Students across the county respond to teacher walkouts

Educators across the state of Arizona lead walkouts for the fifth day on Wednesday and students from school districts across Yuma County joined teachers in the movement.

While many question where students stand in the movement, several students said they would support educators in their efforts to push for a 20 percent increase in public school funding.

Isabella Olin, a freshman at Cibola High School said she’s in favor of the movement partly because her mother is a teacher.

Moreover, she said she is standing with Arizona educators because she believes in the movement’s potential.

“I think it’s been far too long since we’ve taken the opportunity to support our teachers,” Olin said. “[To see people] really get out in the community to not just support teachers, but our education as well.”

Sofia Solano, an Orange Grove Elementary School student said she hopes to see changes to Arizona’s school system by the end of the week.

“Everybody [agrees,]” Solano said. “They’re all protesting [too.] So when I go back to school, I want to see change.”

According to Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, legislators are steps closer to reaching a compromise and passing a budget.

He said the “20 by 2020” plan is his latest effort in prioritizing Arizona’s education.

According to Arizona lawmakers, legislators will reach a deal by Thursday, May 3.