As teachers across the state participate in rolling strikes in different cities, Renton teachers have opted for a one-day protest of after school sign-waving on May 28 to bring attention to their frustrations.

According to Cami Kiel, Renton Education Association president, many teachers wanted to walk out, but they decided against a one-day strike so as not to hinder students’ schedule, she told the Renton School Board on May 13.

Instead teachers in the Renton teachers’ union, which numbers more than 1,000 members, will be waving signs at intersections after school on May 28. Some of the intersections include Rainier Avenue and Grady Way as well as Rainier Avenue and Airport Way. The protests are supposed to finish with a rally, but details were not available at press time.

“While many REA members wanted to walk-out, just like their colleagues are doing across the state, it was decided by our teachers that we would be courageous in a different way,” said Kiel via email.

They will be protesting the “lack of ample funding to public schools as required in the McCleary decision, possible healthcare reforms, threats to teacher-evaluation, failure to even acknowledge the passage of I-1351 (class size reduction measure) by the voters and a general lack of progress on the budget,” she said.

When Kiel announced the REA’s plans, School Board President Pam Teal gave her support at the May 13 school board meeting and said she would be out among the protesters on May 28.

“I’m really proud of the teachers for doing that and not hurting families and still sending a message,” Teal said.