O.C. Johnson Elementary welcomes students back to school

It was an emotional day for teachers across Yuma County after hundreds of students returned to class on Friday.

Hundreds of students headed back to school after teachers returned from a six-day statewide walkout.

The walkout was a part of the ‘Red for Ed’ movement that pushed legislators to pass a teacher pay increase.

O.C. Johnson Elementary held a welcome back event for their students on Friday.

Moreover, teachers said they were thrilled to be back inside the classroom.

“Seeing the smiles on their faces,” Alaina Sanders, an O.C. Johnson Elementary teacher said. “Some of them looked like they felt like celebrities, and it was awesome.”

While some teachers said Governor Doug Ducey’s $10.4 billion bill was a partial victory, others said it was a step in the right direction.

“The funding for schools needs to increase,” Angela Logan, Principal of O.C. Johnson Elementary said. “And that happened. So we know our students are going to benefit.”

Yuma Union High School District officials also said San Luis High School held a welcome back event on Friday as well.