They've taken to the streets and they've written Governor Crist, but Monday teachers across South Florida plan to send their strongest message yet to state lawmakers concerning Senate Bill 6 when they organize a massive "sick-out."
Many Miami-Dade classrooms were teacher-less as educators hope to quash the controversial teacher merit-pay bill, passed last week in the Florida House. One out of every four teachers called in sick today, leaving the county scrambling to find substitutes or put some administration to work.
"While we understand the teachers' frustration and have empathized with their position, depriving students of instructional time is not the appropriate approach to handling this challenge," said Superintendent of Schools Alberto Carvalho. "We encourage teachers to use constructive methods to communicate their positions outside of school hours."
The bill everyone is upset over, will give teachers pay raises based on student performance on standardized tests. Bad evaluations could cost teachers their certifications. It passed around 2:30 a.m. Friday by a 64-55 vote.
It's now up to Gov. Crist whether to pass the bill or not.
Though teachers were encouraged to skip school Monday by taking a personal day, county officials said schools are open and parents should still send their kids to class.
Though the scope of the teacher no-shows hasn't been released, reports are starting to trickle out from schools throughout Miami-Dade.
At Perrine Elementary, 38 teachers took the day off, while 14 showed up, a source said.
At Riviera Middle School, teachers decided to come to school, but staged a protest before the first bell rang.
Debra Zwolinski, a Riviera science teacher, got teary eyed and emotional talking about her students.
"It's just hard because we really care about our kids, and the government doesn't care about us, Zwolinski said. "They are not listening to the people."
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Teachers who took the day off held a rally at Tropical Park, waving signs to "Nix 6" and chanting "Remember November, Charlie Crist."
District officials said they made preparations in anticipation of the "sick-out," calling principals to get a feel for how many teachers may be absent and lining up substitutes accordingly.
Even administrative staff members who have teacher certifications are on standby in case they are needed to fill in today.
"Many teachers are giving up their last day, many teachers are giving up a day that they can dedicate to their sick children when they get sick at home, so believe me, it is a sacrifice for everyone," said Miami-Dade teacher Mayra Boloix.
Teachers who skip out Monday are risking disciplinary action, but most said protesting the bill is too important.
"Me, along with all the good teachers that I work with, say no to this bill, and that's the point that we want to get across," said teacher Susana Diaz.
In a statement Sunday, Miami-Dade Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said he's sensitive to the concerns and frustrations of the teachers, but he urged them to still report to work.
"Because instructional time is critical to our students, teachers are encouraged to use constructive means outside of regular school hours to express their opinions," the statement read.
Massive student walkouts took place throughout Miami-Dade last Friday, as students showed their support for their teachers.
Meanwhile, in Broward County, no massive sick-out is planned, though teachers and students are planning on wearing black to school to voice their protest against the bill.
Gov. Crist has until Friday to sign the bill or veto it.
