'Still Fighting For The Same Thing,' Says 1990 Education Rally Participant

Monday’s rally included more than 200 teachers from Tulsa Public Schools.

Complete Coverage: School Shutdown

News on 6 boarded the bus for the Capitol with them and Superintendent Deborah Gist.

"There's incredible momentum right now. There is energy and optimism and hopefulness where that's really been lacking for so long,” Gist said. 

4/2/2018 Related Story: TPS Superintendent Dr. Deborah Gist: Teacher Walkout Was Never Their Goal

Teachers from Tulsa, McAlester, Coweta, Wagoner, Poteau, Broken Arrow, and many more packed the front of the Capitol so tightly it was hard to move.

When asked if she thought demands would be met, McAlester teacher Laurissa Kovacs said, “honestly, I not know, it would be amazing if they did. It wouldn’t surprise me if they didn’t but I can’t say that I didn’t try.” 

For many retired and active teachers who were there Monday just as they were in 1990, like retired Coweta teacher Teresa Stack, it's hard to believe it's Deja Vu.

“Not much difference, still fighting for the same thing. More people than there was in 1990 but hopefully that's just more awareness,” Stack said.   

OHP provided security Monday and will continue to do that every day demonstrators are there.

“Logistically, it’s a pretty big deal. We want to ensure that people can come in here and exercise their right and do it safely,” said Trooper Dwight Durant.