Viewfinder: UCS Teachers Protest Education Cuts Today

Several Utica Community Schools teachers joined hundreds of Michigan teachers Tuesday and wore red in protest of Gov. Rick Snyder’s school funding cuts. Members of the Michigan Education Association (MEA), with signs in hand, battled the heat and walked out with their students at dismissal time to talk to parents and raise awareness about the cuts.

In May, the Republican-controlled Michigan Senate approved a measure to cut public school spending by an additional $300 per pupil. Some districts could get another $100 per student if they achieve so-called "best financial practices," which include such things as consolidating services. The $300 cut will come on top of a $170-per-student reduction enacted this fiscal year.

Teachers around the state of Michigan have been wearing red on Tuesdays in silent protest. Tuesday, MEA members not only wore red, but also walked out of their buildings at dismissal carrying pro-education signs. Most signs read, "Gov. Snyder cut $5,960,881 from your kids' Utica schools!" Participating UCS schools included , , Heritage Junior High and Oakbrook Elementary Schools in Sterling Heights.

Most teachers agree that raising awareness among the community, especially among parents of the students is of utmost importance. 

To find out what teachers at Utica High School and Switzer Elementary think of the school budget cuts, check out from the protest.