Their numbers were small, but their message was writ large.
Nearly 100 people lined the sunbaked sidewalk along Manatee Avenue West in front of the Manatee School District administration building on behalf of teachers in the face of looming staff cuts.
The rally included parents and students from elementary schools like
Anna Maria, Ballard, Oneco, Orange Ridge and Rowlett, as well as
Palmetto High.
Most of them held up colorful posters that shouted their ardent support:
"1-2-3-4, WE COULD NOT LOVE OUR TEACHERS MORE"
"I LOVE MRS. MCDONOUGH."
"HONK FOR TEACHERS!"
That one and ones just like it had the desired effect, with motorists leaning on their car horns, demonstrating their solidarity as they drove by.
Folks did more than wave signs.
Children chanted:
"SAVE OUR TEACHERS!
"SAVE OUR TEACHERS!
"SAVE OUR TEACHERS!"
Unfortunately, the chorus fell on deaf ears.
One Oneco parent said 12 teachers and seven aides will lose their jobs.
Another parent said her daughter, a young teacher at Ballard, has also been notified she won't be back.
A Palmetto High teacher wondered aloud how the school district could still be in such bad shape financially even after all the pay cuts, furloughs and other financial sacrifices teachers have had to make these last few years.
Now this.
When asked where their anger was directed, several people turned and pointed toward the top floor of the admininstration building, where the suits work on the fifth floor.
"Why Must Teachers Pay For Their Mismanagement," another sign read, appropriately.
After 30 minutespeople in the rally left Manatee Avenue to make their presence felt in front of the administration building.
One person dangled a sign whose words, albeit unappreciated in these times, still ring so true:
"IF YOU CAN READ THIS, THANK A TEACHER."
