Large Number Of Teachers Stage 'Sick Out' At Baltimore School

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Children were turned away from class Wednesday as teachers staged a "sick out" at Tench Tilghman Elementary/Middle School in Baltimore.

WJZ's Devin Bartolotta spoke with student and parents at the school.

Parents  picked up their kids early, saying the school called them and said there are no teachers. Students were permitted to stay until 2:30 p.m.

Teachers and other staff who did show up on Wednesday looked after the students.

Parents she spoke with say they are not upset with the teachers and believe their actions send a strong message about budget cuts and pay for teachers.

"I can't believe it. I can't believe it," says Nakia Dorman. "I'm upset with whoever the reason is why these teachers are staying home. It's not right."

"They said there's no point in even bringing your kids to school, there's no one here," says Shawntia Beverly.

Late last month, the school system announced that they are gearing up to lay off more than 1,000 employees as a way to close a $130 million budget gap.

"What happened to the money from the lottery? What happened to the money from the casinos? Come on! Do something for the kids," says Samuel Brown.

WJZ reached out to Baltimore Public Schools CEO Sonja Santelises, but she would only release this statement:

"I am extremely disappointed that staff members may have chosen to express their anxiety about school budgets by disrupting teaching and learning for our students and compromising students' access to the services and supports we provide in a safe, positive school environment. I encourage all City Schools staff members and the entire City Schools community to seek out ways to advocate for our students that are not at the same time detrimental to the very young people we serve."

Hundreds are now calling on Mayor Catherine Pugh to come through on a campaign promise to help the school's money woes.

"She is not turning a deaf ear, she and her staff have said to me have said to our team that they really are working diligently," says Santelises.

One student tells WJZ they hope for a solution sooner rather than later

"Everything that they do it impacts us and it makes us who we are today," one student says.

WJZ reached out to the mayor. She says she has no official statement at this time.

Education advocates are asking the City to commit at least $50 million to help close the schools budget gap.

A spokesperson for Baltimore City Public Schools released a statement, saying part, "Appropriate action will be taken if staff members are determined to have used leave time in ways other than permitted under district policy and practice."

Baltimore Teacher's Union released the following statement responding to the "sick out":

"The Baltimore Teachers Union is working to find a solution to the proposed cuts to teachers, paraprofessionals, and school-related support staff in Baltimore City Schools. Currently, we are having conversations with state officials in Annapolis, our City Council representatives, and the Mayor's office to find creative ways to keep our teachers and support staff in the classroom so our children will continue to receive a quality education. This budget gap is a multifaceted issue that requires time and multiple partners to resolve, and the BTU is committed to seeing this process through to the end.

"Any action that is perceived as a strike is illegal, and is neither condoned, nor supported, by the Baltimore Teachers Union. These actions negatively impact the classroom and put teachers and our students at risk."

One student said she watched a movie and played in the gym Wednesday, doing no school work between the time she was dropped off and when she was picked up.

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