Medford teachers on strike hold "mobile" flash mob

Medford, Ore. — With schools closed for the President’s Day holiday, Medford teachers on strike are took a new approach in driving their message to the community.

With not many people at the schools because of the holiday, the Medford Education Association decided not to picket. But they said they are not resting, or taking any breaks, until an agreement is reached.

5th grader Rainie Dabbs spent her day off from school helping Medford teachers decorate cars.

Dabbs said “it’s just been a hard time not being able to see our teachers and it’s just a really hard time for them and all the students and their learning.”

That’s why Dabbs and nearly 600 others including students, parents, and teachers came together on Presidents Day for what they called a “mobile” flash mob.

Lisa North of the Medford Education Association said we are the driving force behind getting a settlement, so we are taking it to the streets.

Teachers and their supporters piled into cars and trucks, driving different routes around the district.

North said “we can’t take a break, the strike is still going, just because it’s a weekend, doesn’t mean that we are going to rest, we still want to get the word out.”

5th grader Rainie Dabbs said she was happy to help. That’s because she wants her teachers back where they belong and she sent them a message.

“To have good luck and hope that you can get back in school,” said Dabbs.

Both sides have agreed to check in with the state mediator tomorrow. There’s no official word yet on the next bargaining session.

For more information:

Medford School District – http://www.medford.k12.or.us/Index.asp

Medford Education Association – http://www.iteachmedford.org/