Washington, D.C.— The Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) announced today that over 100 committed parents, education advocates, and teachers will gather on Monday, April 9 at 12:00 p.m. on the steps of the John A. Wilson Building to express concerns to D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray and D.C. City Council members about the FY 2013 Budget for Public Education that will reduce special education services, increase class sizes and seriously undermine the academic achievements of students in D.C. Public Schools.

“The Mayor’s budget decisions are balanced on the backs of students and teachers,” said WTU President Nathan A. Saunders. “Clearly, the two percent per pupil funding increase combined with schools absorbing the costs of pay for performance bonuses comes at too high of a price: fewer teachers, bigger class sizes and fewer services for our students.”

Throughout the rally, parents, education advocates, and teachers will urge local legislators to revisit special education, library and media services and public safety issues and exercise their authority to challenge decreases in services for students in D.C. Public Schools.

###