Snow day complicates planned teacher rally

Thursday, January 27th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The winter storm that blanketed the state with a thick layer of snow and closed many schools and offices could create problems for Oklahoma educators planning to attend an education rally at the state Capitol.

Teachers and administrators at many school districts planned touse a "snow day" on Feb. 16 to call off classes and attend the rally. But now that it has snowed, districts with a limited number of snow days built into their schedules must make other plans.

The rally was organized to urge lawmakers to allocate more money for public schools as well as teacher salaries and benefits.

Oklahoma City Public Schools have two snow days built into its schedule, said Cynthia Reid, director of communications. The school board voted Monday to use a snow day for Feb. 16, leaving them with only one snow day, used Thursday.

Ms. Reid said any additional snow days would have to be made up on a Saturday or at the end of the year.

"More than likely the end of the year," she said.

The school called off classes for Friday.

Moore School Board members voted Wednesday to call off classes on Feb. 16. It will be classified as a "non-working day."

The wintery weather could force rally organizers to look at alternatives, Gov. Frank Keating's press secretary, John Cox, said.
But Keating is still planning to roll out the red carpet for the state's educators.

Cox said Keating plans to open the Governor's Mansion and serve refreshments at the Capitol as well as Phillips Pavilion, adjacent to the mansion.