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Arizona teacher walkout: See district plans for handling walkout

Posted at 1:03 PM, Apr 20, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-03 17:10:02-04

Red for Ed leaders have called for an end to a teather walkout, now that Governor Ducey has signed the K-12 portion of the new budget proposal. Many schools are closed Thursday, but many appear to be set to reopen Friday.

On April 19, teachers voted in favor of a walkout in an effort to get Ducey to meet their salary and funding demands.

ABC15 is tracking the latest district closures in the list below, including details about current and future plans that could impact Valley families.

RELATED: See how much each district pays teachers in Arizona

Take a look at the map below for each district's plans to handle the walkout. School districts in blue have announced plans to reopen on Thursday, red school districts plan to be closed on Thursday, and gray districts have not yet announced their plans for Thursday.


RELATED: Will districts add school days after walkout ends?

Looking for southern Arizona school district plans and closures? Click here

Agua Fria Union High School District

AFUHSD planned to remain open on April 26 and 27 on a modified early release schedule. Schools were also set to be open May 2 and 3 on a modified schedule. Early start schools AFHS and MHS will start at their normal morning time, ending their day at 10:35. Late start schools VHS and DEHS will end at 11:35 (no late starts during this modified schedule). This schedule will continue unless indicated otherwise.

Aguila Elementary School District

AESD states that they will have contingency plans in place if the walkout occurs. The district recommends that familiar consider alternate plans should the schools close. Updates can be found ONLINE HERE.

Alhambra Elementary School District

Although Alhambra Elementary School District announced our schools would reopen on Thursday, May 3, we have communicated to parents that we will remain closed. The district is closely monitoring conversations and possible legislative action. Beginning Wednesday, May 2, we will begin serving meals in most of our cafeterias for our students who depend on us for breakfast and lunch. More information can be found ONLINE HERE

Apache Junction Unified School District

The Apache Junction Unified School District has announced that schools will reopen on Thursday, May 3. It is not certain whether or not school will be opened beyond then but will keep parents informed.

Avondale Elementary School District

AESD says they will not have the staffing available to open their schools safely, so all schools will remain closed. They will update families accordingly as the further determine what is necessary. Updates can be found ONLINE HERE.

Balsz School District

All Balsz District Schools will remain closed Thursday, because too many teachers have called in absences for the day. Balsz had hoped to reopen Thursday, but announced Wednesday they would not have adequate staffing to do so. Any missed days will be made up at the end of the school year. Any updates can be found ONLINE HERE.

Buckeye Elementary School District

BESD says their schools have remained open on modified four-hour days, from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. Their latest letter to parents can be found HERE. 

Buckeye Union High School District

BUHSD remained closed on May 1 and 2, but said they will reopen on Thursday, May 3. According to the district, all school activities, including transportation and food service, will resume. HERE are the latest details.

Cartwright Elementary School District

CESD will remain closed on Tuesday, May 1 and will remain closed through Friday, May 4. The district will continue to contact families with updates, which can also be found ONLINE HERE.

Cave Creek Unified School District

CCUSD announced that schools in the district will close on April 26 and 27. The district expects classes to resume on Monday. Preschool, before/after care and enrichment are also closed. Student makeup days are scheduled for May 25 and May 29. The district recommends checking their websites for updated information as it is released.

Chandler Unified School District

CUSD now says schools will remain closed Thursday, May 3, because too many teachers have called in absences for the day. CUSD had hoped to reopen Thursday, but announced Wednesday they would not have adequate staffing to do so. 

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Students who need it will still have breakfast and lunch provided to them Wednesday. Some childcare services will still be available. For those details and much more information visit the CUSD site ONLINE HERE.

Chino Valley Unified School District

There will be a 3-hour early release at all schools on Thursday, April 26. Updates can be found ONLINE HERE.

Creighton School District

UPDATE MAY 2: Creighton ESD schools will be closed Thursday, May 2 and will remain closed for the duration of the walkout. 

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Creighton School District says schools will be closed Thursday, April 26 and Friday, April 27. The district will continue to monitor the walkout and evaluate later in the week what needs to be done for next week. Breakfast and lunch will be available to students accompanied by their parent or supervising adult Thursday and Friday. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 A.M. to 8:30 A.M. and lunch will be served from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. For updates from the district, check ONLINE HERE.

Deer Valley Unified School District

UPDATE MAY 2: DVUSD now says schools will remain closed Thursday, because too many teachers have called in absences for the day. DVUSD had hoped to reopen Thursday, but announced Wednesday they would not have adequate staffing to do so. 

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DVUSD says all of their schools will be closed starting Thursday, April 26 until they can assure that 75 percent of certified teachers will return to work. On Sunday, April 29, DVUSD announced schools will remain closed Monday, but six sites will be opened where children ages 18 and under can eat breakfast and lunch for free. That information can be found on the district's website ONLINE HERE.

Dysart Unified School District

UPDATE MAY 2: DUSD now says schools will remain closed Thursday, May 3, because too many teachers have called in absences for the day. DUSD had hoped to reopen Thursday, but announced Wednesday they would not have adequate staffing to do so.

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Due to the planned walkout, DUSD schools will be closed beginning Thursday, April 26, 2018 and continuing until the walkout is over. It's unclear if schools will remain closed beyond Thursday. Online updates from DUSD can be found ONLINE HERE.

Flagstaff Unified School District

All schools of the Flagstaff Unified School District will be closed for students on Wednesday, May 2, and remain closed until an end of the RedforEd walkout is announced or a level of FUSD staff return to maintain safe operations of the school district. Students and families will continue to be updated about the closure of FUSD schools or when schools will reopen. FUSD is exploring all options to address missed instructional time due to the walkout and will try to minimize the need for students to return to school after our scheduled last day on May 31. After the walkout ends and schools reopen, plans will be finalized and announced to students and families.

Florence Unified School District

FUSD says that if a budget deal is passed before 3 a.m. Thursday, school will be open. If not, schools will be closed for the day. For the latest info, click here.  

Fowler Elementary School District

Fowler Elementary School District announced Monday night that they will be open starting Tuesday, May 1. Check for the latest updates ONLINE HERE.

Gilbert Public School District

UPDATE MAY 4: Gilbert Public Schools will reopen Friday, May 4. Updates from the school district can be found ONLINE HERE.

Glendale Elementary School District

GESD schools are closed Thursday, but expect to reopen on Friday. 

From the district:

"The district will work on options for making up (missed days) at this time, and we have taken the first step by reopening our schools. The district will ensure every option is explored to meet legal mandates, and try in every way to minimize the impact on children and families. As plans are finalized we will contact you."

Glendale Union High School District

UPDATE May 2: All Glendale Union High School District schools will be closed Thursday, May 3.

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GUHSD has announced that the schools in the district will be closed on April 26 and will remain closed until further notice. All closure days will be added to end of the school to make up for the missed days. The district will release updates that can be found ONLINE HERE.

Higley Unified School District

HUSD says they anticipate schools to be closed starting Thursday, April 26 until the walkout is over. They will remain closed on Thursday, May 3. The district will provide a day camp at the lowest possible cost to K-6 parents for those unable to find alternative child care. As of now, the district anticipates the day camp to cost $20 per day. A frequently asked questions page has been posted ONLINE HERE. In addition, parents are asked to follow the district on social media and update their contact information in case there are any changes. 

Isaac Elementary District 

UPDATE MAY 2: Schools will be open Thursday, May 3 on a half-day schedule. Isaac Elementary District says schools will be closed Monday, April 30 and remain closed until further notice. Follow updates on the district's social media pages as well. 

Kyrene School District

Kyrene School District now says schools will remain closed Thursday, May 3, because too many teachers have called in absences for the day. KSD had hoped to reopen Thursday, but announced Wednesday they would not have adequate staffing to do so. 

Instructional calendar Kyrene board policy calls for meeting both the state requirement for instructional minutes as well as requiring 180 days of attendance. We know that families have drawn up plans well in advance of this past week and have expressed questions about the school calendar. The District is looking at all opportunities to recover lost instructional time. Once we know more, we will communicate information, and support our families who have pre-planned activities in place. More details and frequently asked questions can be found ONLINE HERE

Laveen School District

UPDATE APRIL 30: All eight Laveen schools will return to normal schedule starting Tuesday, May 1.

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The Laveen School District says any school closures will depend on staffing next Thursday and beyond. As of now, no closures have been planned. The district says it is also possible that only some of their schools close and others stay open. Information on potential school closures will be communicated to families via robocall, text, and email messages Monday evening. The district asks that parents double check their contact information is updated through the school. You can also track information ONLINE HERE

Liberty Elementary School District

MAY 3 UPDATE: Schools closed on Thursday, May 3. Liberty says they will need to keep closed schools closed on Tuesday, May 1 and Wednesday, May 2. Freedom Elementary School, Las Brisas Academy and Rainbow Valley Elementary School will continue to serve breakfast and lunch to individuals 18 years of age and below at no cost. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 am to 8:30 am. Lunch will be served from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. As a reminder, an adult must accompany children because we otherwise do not have the capacity to supervise participants. The latest information from Liberty can be found ONLINE HERE. 

Litchfield Elementary School District

All Litchfield Elementary School District schools will be closed on Thursday, May 3. LESD will release updated information as soon as possible, that can be checked ONLINE HERE.

Littleton Elementary School District #65

Littleton Elementary School District says all campuses will be closed on Thursday, May 3. Any updates will be shared via social media, email, automated calls, and ONLINE HERE.

Madison School District

UPDATE May 2: The decision has been made to close all schools on Thursday, May 3, 2018 except for Madison Park. The district had hoped to reopen most schools but said estimates on staffing attendance changed greatly on Wednesday. Again, Madison Park will be OPEN but all other district schools will be closed. Read ONLINE HERE for more information.

Mesa Public Schools

Mesa Public School announced Wednesday they have decided that schools will remain closed Thursday, May 3. The district says any missed days will be made up at the end of the school year. Frequently asked questions and information sent to parents was sent out Friday and can be viewed HERE

Murphy Elementary School District 

All schools will be closed on Thursday, May 3. Find more information online here

Nadaburg Unified School District

School will be in regular session on Wednesday, April 25. In the event of a Thursday walk-out, the district will notify parents by Wednesday afternoon via district website, social media and robocalls. Friday Programs will continue as normal.

Osborn School District

The Osborn School District has announced that schools will be closed until further notice due to the teacher walkout. Breakfast and lunch are still available daily from 7:30-8:30, 12:00-1:00. OSD also released a frequently asked questions section for parents of students. You can read that ONLINE HERE

Palo Verde School District #49

Palo Verde School District says there will be no change in schedule despite walk-out set to take place on Thursday, April 26. Any changes to the schedule will be communicated via email, phone messages, website and Facebook. Updates can be found ONLINE HERE.

Paradise Valley Unified School District

UPDATE MAY 2: PVUSD now says schools will remain closed Thursday, May 3, because too many teachers have called in absences for the day. PVUSD had hoped to reopen Thursday, but announced Wednesday they would not have adequate staffing to do so. 

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PVUSD announced Friday that all schools will be closed Thursday April 26, because of a high number of staff that will be participating in the walkout. The district says they won't have the staffing and security available to keep normal school operations in place. However, students who need it can still get breakfast and lunch at the school (details will be communicated by each individual school). If the school needs to be closed for additional days, parents will be notified by robocalls, emails and on the schools social media pages. More information from the district can be found ONLINE HERE.

Payson Unified School District

Payson Unified School District reopened Monday April 30. Updates will be posted ONLINE HERE.

Pendergast Elementary School District

PESD announced Sunday that all Pendergast schools will be closed on April 30 and until the walkout ends. Pendergast has confirmed all 12 schools will be closed in their district on Thursday, May 3. Once the walkout ends, any school days missed due to a closure will be accounted for by adding time to Wednesdays, (formerly early release days) that will now be full days. Pendergast District will add days to the end of the school calendar, beginning Tuesday, May 29, as needed. More information from the district can be found ONLINE HERE.

Peoria Unified School District

PUSD now says schools will remain closed Thursday, because too many teachers have called in absences for the day. PUSD had hoped to reopen Thursday, but announced Wednesday they would not have adequate staffing to do so.  When additional information is available about the re-opening of schools or the potential for any future closure dates, we will notify you. Details will be released ONLINE HERE

Phoenix Elementary School District

UPDATE MAY 2: All 14 schools in Phoenix #1 will be closed to students Thursday and Friday, May 3rd and 4th. PESD will provide updated information on school closures online

Phoenix Union High School District

PUHSD now says schools will remain closed Thursday, May 3, because too many teachers have called in absences for the day. PUHSD had hoped to reopen Thursday, but announced Wednesday they would not have adequate staffing to do so. 

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We will continue to provide free meals for any Phoenix Union students at Alhambra, Central and Cesar Chavez High Schools. Breakfast is served from 7:30 to 8:30 and lunch from 10:30 to 11:30. The district states that any missed days will be made up at the end of the school year. Graduation will be held as planned. For information on lunches and updates on closures, check ONLINE HERE.

Prescott Unified School District

Prescott Unified School District says all schools will have a 2-hour late start on Thursday, April 26 with no breakfast served. On Friday, April 27, some schools will be on an “Early Release Wednesday” schedule. All afternoon activities are canceled except PHS sports practices. More information on specific school information can be found on their Facebook page.

Queen Creek Unified School District

UPDATE MAY 2: QCUSD now says schools will remain closed Thursday, May 3, because too many teachers have called in absences for the day. QCUSD had hoped to reopen Thursday, but announced Wednesday they would not have adequate staffing to do so.

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QCUSD anticipates reopening on Thursday, May 3. All eight QCUSD school sites will remain closed on Wednesday, May 2. Daily closures will be evaluated and communicated on a regular basis. Any school days missed may be added to the school calendar, beginning Friday, May 25, 2018. Parents can get the latest information ONLINE HERE.

Roosevelt School District

Roosevelt School District No. 66 will remain closed on Tuesday, May 1. Any school days missed due to closure may be added to the end of the school year. For the latest updates from the district, check ONLINE HERE.

Scottsdale Unified School District

Two SUSD schools are expected to open on Thursday, May 3. Ingleside Middle School and Pima Elementary School will be open, all other schools will be closed. SUSD announced schools would remain closed due to the high number of teachers reporting absences and the shortage of substitutes to cover those absences. For the latest updates from the district, as well as frequently asked questions, check ONLINE HERE.

Show Low Unified School District

Show Low Unified School District plans to make closure decisions on Wednesday, April 26. Right now, they’re planning to have classes on Thursday with gaps filled in by staff who do come to work. On Friday, school will be closed as there is a snow rebate day. More updates will be communicated via website, robocalls, Peach Jar, Facebook and Twitter.

Tempe Elementary School District

UPDATE MAY 2: Tempe Elementary School District will remain closed Thursday, May 3.  TESD pointed to low staffing numbers during the walkout, and a need to make sure children are safe if they are on campus. Updates will be provided through Blackboard and on their website ONLINE HERE.

Tempe Union High School District

UPDATE MAY 2: TUHSD now says schools will remain closed Thursday, because too many teachers have called in absences for the day. TUHSD had hoped to reopen Thursday, but announced Wednesday they would not have adequate staffing to do so. The district recommends checking their online Q & A for more information. 

Tolleson Elementary School District

TESD will close its school on April 26 and 27. It is recommended that families keep up to date on information through their social media and ONLINE HERE.

Tolleson Union High School District

I am writing to inform you that all schools in the District will re-open on Thursday, May 3. All District services will resume as normal. Please know that our students will meet the educational minutes required by the State Department of Education, therefore it will not be necessary to extend the academic school year for our students. Updates can be found ONLINE HERE.

Washington Elementary School District

All WESD schools will remain closed Thursday, May 3 for student instruction. Our data indicates that we will not have enough staff to safely supervise students. We will continue to serve breakfast and lunch at all 32 schools, as well as provide KidSpace childcare at 13 WESD locations. Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation. The school will continue to release additional information ONLINE HERE.

Wickenburg Unified School District

Wickenburg Unified School District says schools reopened Monday, April 30 and should stay open despite the teacher walkout. All modes of communication to families (ConnectEd, emails, wickenburgschools.org and WUSD social media) will notify parents if there is any future closure.

Wilson Elementary School District

UPDATE APRIL 27: Schools in Wilson Elementary School District are open on Friday and plan to be open on Monday as well.
Wilson Elementary Schools will be closed on Thursday, April 26. All services (including sunrise club, parks and recreation and after-school tutoring) will be closed. Wilson Elementary School cafeteria will be open to serve grab-and-go breakfast from 7:30-8:15 a.m., and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Classes may resume on Friday, April 27 if staffing is available. More information can be found on the school website as updates are provided. Check their website for updates ONLINE HERE.