Educators in the Las Lomitas Elementary School District continued to strike on Friday, making it their third day of striking over pay.
For teachers, the day started with picketing outside both of the district’s campuses, as members of the Las Lomitas Education Association made speeches outside La Entrada Middle School.
“We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support: parents have stood beside us on the picket line, a cyclist passing by stopped to march in solidarity, multiple dog walkers have jumped and Bob Lutticken, owner of the legendary restaurant Lutticken’s, our longtime, steadfast supporter has generously provided food, water, and a space to gather,” LLEA co-President Daniella Lefer said.
“The support fuels our determination to keep us strong,” she continued. “Our commitment is not just to ourselves, but to our students. Every day we strike, we stand up for the equality of education they deserve. Our fight is their fight, and victory for us is a victory for them.”
On Thursday night, LLEA announced plans to march from La Entrada to Sharon Park, where representatives from the California Teachers Association would give speeches in support of the union.
At 11:30 a.m., prior to the march starting, LLEA decided to instead march to the district office, and rally outside the district office as board members and district administrators met inside.
As the group marched down Alameda de Las Pulgas in Menlo Park, cars and trucks blew their horns in support of the teachers, further motivating the movement.
When the protestors arrived at the district office, LLEA reorganized picket lines and continued giving speeches.
Representatives from unions across the bay were present along with CTA staff members, including United Teachers of Richmond, Palo Alto Educator’s Association, Menlo Park Education Association, Sequoia District Teachers Association, Redwood City Teachers Association, and the Pittsburgh Education Association.
At 12:50 p.m., the board published an update on negotiations. “The board and district bargaining team have been working around the clock to discuss options, ideas and pathways forward. We have been in communication with LLEA, and these lines of communication will remain open,” they wrote.
Read more about the strike here.
