Still suffering from the aftermath of Hurricane Maria and Irma, Puerto Rico faces another hurdlegetting its students back into quality, safe public schools.
Instead of providing stability at this time of need, by investing in and strengthening public schools in Puerto Rico, Governor Ricardo Rossello and his education secretary, Julia Keleher, are using this time of crisis as a reason to close 283 public schools. This is in addition to the 167 schools that have already been closed at the end of 2017.
Under this plan, schools will be closed that will force students to travel long distances to receive the education they need. In addition, the plan will divert much needed resources away from public schools to private and charter schools.
That is why parents, communities, and elected officials across the island are protesting loudly. But their outcry is being ignored by the Governor and Secretary. We must stand with them and elevate their voice.
Show your support and sign this petition to help public schools in Puerto Rico.
AFSA and Educadores Puertorriquenos en Accion, Inc., AFSA Local 105, are strongly opposed to this plan. In a joint statement by AFSA Executive Vice President Ernest Logan and Domingo Madera, President of EPA, they said, "Our nation's public schools are open to all students, are the cornerstone of our democracy, and the pillars of our communities. Following the grave destruction caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the children of communities in Puerto Rico need stability and a return to normalcy."
Please take a moment to stand with your brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico andsign this petitionand tell Governor Rosello and Secretary Keleher that you stand with the people of Puerto Rico, and that you oppose their plan to close the massive school closures.