MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Class rooms were quiet today in Berkeley County as the first state wide teacher and service personnel strike since 1990 began its first day.
Berkeley County Schools confirmed yesterday that schools would be closed today and Friday due to the work stoppage that was announced over the weekend.
Demonstrators lined the streets outside of many schools today to voice their displeasure over the pay raise bill signed by Gov. Jim Justice last night and the lack of funding for the Public Employees Insurance Agency.
Teachers, service personnel, and even students held signs while rallying support from those who drove by.
Rhonda Foreman is the English Chair at Martinsburg High School. She hope that the strike doesn’t extend pass Friday.
“We certainly hope we are back in the classroom on Monday. But I believe that is in the hands of the West Virginia Legislator at this point and time,” said Foreman. “We’ll like to see them make the right call on this.”
Superintendent Manny Arvon said earlier this week that classes will resume on Monday. South Middle School Principal Rosa Clark echoed those comments Thursday saying that Monday will be “business as usual”.
Martinsburg High School Principal Trent Sherman tells WEPM that resuming classes on Monday is about providing for the students.
“We recognize the fact that we need more competitive pay here in West Virginia for teachers and we need a stable benefits package for them. But I think you have to balance that with student education and everyone understands that.”
Many teachers from South Middle, Martinsburg High, and Berkeley Heights Elementary plan to demonstrate again tomorrow.