Today in Wheeling History: March 21--Despite one-fourth of West Virginia's teachers participating in a one-day walkout to protest the legislature's inadequate pay raise, Ohio County Schools largely maintained "business as usual" by utilizing substitute teachers, although some schools experienced higher student and teacher absences (1980).
On March 21, 1980, approximately one-fourth of West Virginia's teachers participated in a one-day walkout to protest the legislature's approval of only a $950 pay raise, far less than the $3,000 requested by the West Virginia Education Association (WVEA). Despite poor weather conditions, an estimated 6,000-7,000 teachers from around 30 counties attended a rally at Charleston's Laidley Field.
In Ohio County, Superintendent Dr. Henry Marockie reported "business as usual" in most schools, with approximately 63 substitute teachers replacing about 25 percent of the absent teachers. Student absences ranged from 8 to 25 percent, slightly higher than usual. At Ritchie Elementary School, 24 out of 35 teachers supported the protest, while at Woodsdale Elementary School, not a single teacher was absent. Wheeling Park High School Principal S. A. DeFillippo noted that special programs were being provided in addition to regular activities, with "absolute control" being maintained.
While some schools, such as Brooke High School, had to close at 10 a.m. due to lack of adequate supervision, many others remained open. Governor Jay Rockefeller stated he would not call for a special legislative session at the time, despite the WVEA's efforts to alert the public to the teachers' situation and press for increased salaries.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/22e9j9ud) (https://tinyurl.com/txp9245h) (https://tinyurl.com/5n8hbbx2) (https://tinyurl.com/9ddstwdc) (https://tinyurl.com/34vtuhn6) (https://tinyurl.com/2en6wfwe) (https://tinyurl.com/upc4t763)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library, Wheeling WV; Wheeling News-Register, Ohio County Schools
On March 21, 1980, approximately one-fourth of West Virginia's teachers participated in a one-day walkout to protest the legislature's approval of only a $950 pay raise, far less than the $3,000 requested by the West Virginia Education Association (WVEA). Despite poor weather conditions, an estimated 6,000-7,000 teachers from around 30 counties attended a rally at Charleston's Laidley Field.
In Ohio County, Superintendent Dr. Henry Marockie reported "business as usual" in most schools, with approximately 63 substitute teachers replacing about 25 percent of the absent teachers. Student absences ranged from 8 to 25 percent, slightly higher than usual. At Ritchie Elementary School, 24 out of 35 teachers supported the protest, while at Woodsdale Elementary School, not a single teacher was absent. Wheeling Park High School Principal S. A. DeFillippo noted that special programs were being provided in addition to regular activities, with "absolute control" being maintained.
While some schools, such as Brooke High School, had to close at 10 a.m. due to lack of adequate supervision, many others remained open. Governor Jay Rockefeller stated he would not call for a special legislative session at the time, despite the WVEA's efforts to alert the public to the teachers' situation and press for increased salaries.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/22e9j9ud) (https://tinyurl.com/txp9245h) (https://tinyurl.com/5n8hbbx2) (https://tinyurl.com/9ddstwdc) (https://tinyurl.com/34vtuhn6) (https://tinyurl.com/2en6wfwe) (https://tinyurl.com/upc4t763)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library, Wheeling WV; Wheeling News-Register, Ohio County Schools
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