Puerto Rico Education Secretary Eliezer Ramos Parés said Thursday will be a normal school day, even as teachers’ organizations call for a demonstration in San Juan they have labeled a Day of Teacher Indignation. He voiced concern about what he called erroneous information that could lead to "unnecessary absenteeism" in the school system. In statements posted on social media, he said Thursday is a regular school day and the schools will be open to receive students.
He said the best way to defend rights and dignify the profession is to lead by example and meet the responsibility taken on toward children and young people. He added that the exercise of a right should not give way to misinformation or affect students’ right to an education. The Federación de Maestros and the Unión Nacional de Educadores y Trabajadores de la Educación (Únete) called teachers to rally at Plaza Colón in Old San Juan.
Their demands include payment of money owed to teachers under the teaching career program, less administrative overload, more janitors and security guards in schools, and restoring a dignified retirement for educators. The Federación de Porteadores Escolares and the Asociación Puertorriqueña de Profesores Universitarios (APPU) will also join. Teachers began mobilizing from their own schools on Wednesday, according to videos shared on social media.
Ramos Parés said some demands are being addressed, noting that $90.4 million was identified in last fiscal year’s budget to pay the career program debts, though the disbursements have not yet been made.