'Black Thursday' Protest Targets Valley Teacher Cuts

SHERMAN OAKS (CBS) — Angry parents, students, and teachers crammed the sidewalk in front of a San Fernando Valley middle school on Thursday to protest against proposed cuts that may decimate their teaching staff.

KNX 1070's John Brooks reports the demonstrators at Millikan Middle School are calling it "Black Thursday" with people showing up wearing all black as part of their protest.

The protesters want state lawmakers to get tax extensions on the ballot so voters can decide whether or not to pay the extra money — funds that could help pay for the teachers being pushed out at Millikan school.

Parents and teachers say they will also launch a coordinated effort to start calling lawmakers over the tax extension issue.

Actor Luke Perry was among the protesters.

The group began gathering at the campus in the 5000 block of Sunnyslope Avenue around 5 a.m., said Monica Carazo of the Los Angeles Unified School District.

The principal says Millikan is one of the top performing middle schools in the district.

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