One directed them to reduce average class sizes, while the other proposed cost-of- living raises for Washington state teachers.

Smaller rallies were held in Kennewick and Spokane.

The Day of Action was called by the Washington Education Association (WEA), representing 75,000 school staff. It was supported and built by organizations representing parents, school principals, school board members, and administrators. Some school superintendents also endorsed it.

Other unions came in behind the protest. Among them was the Service Employees International Union, which sent a busload of school janitors to Olympia. Members of a number of other unions were also present, many of whom had traveled several hours to join the action.

According to the Seattle Times, the Day of Action closed schools in the majority of districts. Teachers at a number of schools that stayed open sent delegations to the protest. In the Northshore district, association members sent one "community member" for each of the district’s 110 teachers.  
 
Claims of budget shortfall
State legislators are claiming budget woes as they stall on putting the voted-for changes into effect. "We simply do not have the money at this time," Governor Gary Locke wrote to the teachers on January 14. The day before the rally Locke proposed to suspend the cost-of-living raise for two years and delay the increased funds needed to reduce class sizes for kindergartens through 12th grade schools.

The Seattle Times reported that Lock’s proposals would "save about $550 million" as part of a $650 million cut in school spending to "balance the state budget." Claiming that "by sticking together and sacrificing together, we will get through these tough times," Locke is also proposing slashing spending on higher education, parks, social and health services, and health care insurance coverage for workers. Wages for other state employees would be frozen at present levels.

Two days after the Day of Action outpouring, the Seattle School District warned of possible layoffs of teachers and administrators owing to a projected $11.5 million deficit in its 2004 budget.

District officials say the shortfall is the result of the teachers contract, along with higher utility rates and cuts in state funding. Schools that are "less efficient to operate" may be the first to go, they threatened.

Ernest Mailhot contributed to this article.  
 
 
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