ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Thousands of parents, teachers and students marched in Annapolis to call for more money for schools across the state.
They're counting on $320-million from a bill to fund schools for what's called a blueprint for Maryland’s future.
More than 8,000 people showed up at the march for our schools to show their support for the bill. Many wore red for education and carried signs saying, ‘Raise my taxes and our kids can't wait.’
RELATED: School funding rally expects large turnout in Annapolis
The money would help pay to fix many of the problems facing Maryland schools. It includes, improving the quality of education, raising teacher’s pay and repairing and updating infrastructure, such as schools without heat or safe drinking water.
Prince George’s County School Board Chair Dr. Alvin Thornton believes a new funding formula would level the playing field for all students, no matter where they live or go to school.
“Our children are a result of where their money is set. Those in low income communities around inexpensive less valuable property receive one level of education. Those on the opposite receive better education. You don't get equal citizenship out of that.” Said Dr. Thornton.
Teachers, parents and students weren't the only ones there at the rally. Joining them were community leaders, county executives and Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh.
Some Baltimore City teachers took to twitter to criticize the mayor's budget for spending millions more on law enforcement compared to education.
Was at school coaching until 6pm, so no Education Rally tonight. Reading reports that @MayorPugh50 is there, leading chants to fund our schools. Talk about disingenuous. In her budget, Baltimore City barely contributes at all to fund schools, especially compared to police.
— Mark Miazga (@epiphanyinbmore) March 11, 2019
Baltimore spends more than $350-million out of its budget to fund education and about 500 million for the police.
