Students Protest Proposed Teacher Layoffs

Lowa, US: Students at Columbus Junction High School in Iowa stood up for their teachers Friday by holding a sit-in demonstration.

The students organized and participated in the sit-in, skipping early classes to gather in the gym as a show of support of teachers who face losing their jobs through budget cuts.

The sit-in was in response to a measure approved Monday by the school board to eliminate up to 13 positions next year, projected to save the school district $461,639. Superintendent Marlene Johnson says the school is facing a $450,000 budget shortfall next year.

The impromptu assembly of students lasted two hours. At the end, student organizer Kenan Todd handed Johnson and Principal Jeff Maeder a petition signed by students asking the school board to rescind the cuts.

- wowt.com