For Immediate Release: March 12, 2019

Contact: Joshua Harris [email protected]

ICYMI: 2,000 Prince George’s County Educators Rally in Annapolis

PGCEA President Theresa Mitchell Dudley and PGCPS President Dr. Alvin Thornton With 52 Buses Joined 6,000 from Around the State in Annapolis for Increased School Funding

In what is being reported as the largest rally in history to be held in Annapolis, nearly 8,000 educators, parents, students, and community members showed up to “March for Our Schools”. Prince George’s County Educators’ Association (PGCEA) organized and mobilized nearly 2,000 Prince George’s County students, teachers, staff and parents in more than 50 buses. The rally came just as the announcement that recommendations of the Kirwan Commission would be partially accepted and funded. It is also just prior to the scheduled teacher contract negotiations for Prince George’s County on March 20th. Education advocates rallied to remind state and local legislators that the Maryland constitution mandates equitable public education funding for all children.

Educators from Prince George’s County marched towards the capital with banners that were made at the art build last week, where hundreds participated in preparation for the march.

PGCEA President Theresa Mitchell Dudley organizes march participants at the march starting point.

“Our children are Maryland’s children and the state constitution mandates equitable funding for all children. Our schools and our children in Prince George’s County can no longer wait on our elected officials to equitably fund education”, said Dudley. “We need our schools fully funded and fair pay for our educators who each and every day are shaping the next generation of leaders in our county and beyond.”

Prince George’s County Public Schools Board of Education Chair Dr. Alvin Thornton marched with PGCEA members.

The March for Our Schools follows several “Red for Ed” rallies held by public educators across the country. The momentum by Prince George’s County educators united for quality education will lead them into collective bargaining, which for the first time will have negotiations open to the public.

If you would like to more information or to request an interview with PGCEA President Theresa Mitchell Dudley, contact Joshua Harris (443)939.2043 [email protected]