With talented public school students leading the way, close to 1,000 education coalition leaders from the Inland Empire gathered with teachers, parents, education support professionals, administrators, public employees, and students from elementary school to college at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino to oppose further cuts to education and other state and local programs.

SBUSD’s Richardson Jazz Band began the event with traditional and contemporary songs, followed by Riverside Temecula Middle School’s Julian Sibby, performing on guitar, leading the crowd in song to original lyrics.

San Bernardino rally draws close to 1,000 Inland Empire participants.

Speakers included James Ramos, SBCC Board of Trustees and CA State Board of Education member, stated, “Public education is vital to the health of our democracy.  Tax extensions will enable us to avoid further damage to our schools and our students.”  California Teachers Association Secretary-Treasurer Elect Mikki Cichocki emphasized the crowd’s interdependence, saying “Each of us leans on one another  to meet our societal needs, and  because “we are one” we must  support extending current taxes.” Student CTA Southern Regional Vice President Wesley Porter spoke passionately as he summed up the day’s events, stating “We need to fight for the future we want.” Additional activities included the collection of commitment cards for future actions.