Striking Teachers Rally: 'Stay Strong, Strongsville'

Several hundred striking Strongsville teachers gathered on the City Commons Friday afternoon to rally support and hear words of encouragement from former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland.

"You are being disrespected," Strickland said to cheers from the crowd of teachers and supporters.

Tracy Linscott, president of the Strongsville Education Association, which represents the 383 striking teachers, guidance counselors and psychologists, acknowledged it's been a tough week, but urged the teachers to believe.

"I am here to tell you that yes, we can," Linscott said. "And now that we know we can, we know that we will. Stay strong, Strongsville."

Before the rally, the scene on Pearl Road was mild pandemonium as teachers holding signs walked back and forth in front of the school administration building, with car horns honking.

On the other side of the street, a small group of parents presented the other side, with signs reading "Collective Bullying" and "We Support our Students."

One man, who identified himself only as Alan, said he was there to support his two children, but was not sure he wanted the striking teachers back in the classroom.

"At this point, I'm not sure I want some of them back," he said.

Another man, Greg, agreed.

"There's some I'm uncomfortable with teaching my children," he said.

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