Oklahoma Teachers Say Walkout to Last Until Tuesday

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The head of Oklahoma’s largest teachers union says Monday’s walkout will last at least one more day.

Oklahoma Education Association President Alicia Priest said during the rally that drew thousands to the state Capitol that teachers will continue pressing their demands for lawmakers to approve more funding for pay raises and classrooms. Teachers in Kentucky and Oklahoma rallied Monday to voice dissatisfaction with issues such as education funding and pensions.

School districts in Oklahoma City and the Tulsa areas have canceled Tuesday classes.

Demonstrations come just days after Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin signed legislation increasing taxes on cigarettes, fuel and oil and gas production to provide teachers with raises of about $6,100, or 15 to 18 percent.