The East Baton Rouge Parish school system plans to close classes Wednesday amid plans by teachers to protest Gov. Bobby Jindal’s plan to make sweeping, historic changes in public schools.
The closing is the third of its kind on the eve of a likely day-long hearing and votes on the three bills that make up the bulk of Jindal’s public school plan, which is highly unusual for the first week of a legislative session. One of the measures could pave the way for teachers rated as ineffective, up to 5,000, to be fired within a year of two of getting such a rating.
House Speaker Chuck Kleckley, R-Lake Charles, said the State Capitol has prepared additional hearing rooms to handle the expected overflow crowds. He said the House Education committee is expected to meet late into the evening.
