On Friday, March 27, hundreds of parents and students took to Merrick Road and began a march to support public education. Showing their disapproval for Governor Andrew Cuomo’s plans for education, local mothers Cara Palermo-Martin of Massapequa and Amanda Christianson-Rummenie of Oceanside, organized the march.
“I grew up in Massapequa and chose to settle down here largely because of the excellent reputation of the Massapequa Public School District,” said Palermo-Martin, who has been teaching art at Farmingdale High School since 1998.
“Like Cara, I chose Oceanside based on the high standard our schools put forth, and their exhausting commitment to children,” said Christianson-Rummenie, who teaches at Farmingdale Middle School and also teaches ceramics and sculpture at the high school. “As a product of public schools, I always wanted my children to have a similar education.”
The two concerned parents decided to organize the protest after realizing that there was an urgency to spread awareness beyond the teaching community. They saw community forums popping up weekly, but also realized that people were still unaware of the bigger picture.
“To me, it was very important for every taxpayer to understand that public education is actually under attack by Governor Cuomo,” said Palermo-Martin, who reminded her fellow parents that Cuomo had previously withheld state aid increases unless all of the pieces of his plan are adopted by the legislature. “To me, that sounds like a threat, and no leader in America should be threatening families while children suffer the consequences.”
As for the location of the rally, Palermo-Martin and Christianson-Rummenie figured that a lot of south shore residents take Merrick Road home. They also wanted working parents to participate and believed this was a fun and easy event for families.
More than 25 union free school districts participated in the march including Massapequa, Farmingdale and Lindenhurst. There were an estimated 50-70 people at each location.
“Our schools are a hub for activity, as well as preparation for the future, so the idea that corporations could take what’s left of our small towns and turn our schools into money makers angers me,” said Christianson-Rummenie. “I have two boys at home and over 200 students who are counting on me to ensure that their education remains relevant to them. That they are viewed as individuals, and not cash cows.”
Christianson-Rummenie also added that her main concern right now is making sure that teachers and local administrators make decisions for her kids.
“I entrust my children’s teachers to use their expertise, experience and humanity to create a love of learning for my boys,” she said. “Governor Cuomo is making it impossible for some administrators to fully support teachers and through that support, children.”
The idea to wear red as the power color for the march was agreed upon by both women, as it shows urgency and passion.
“To me, red shows us that there is an urgent issue that needs our action…now,” said Palermo-Martin.
“Red is passion, and has been the color of education support for quite a while. As an artist, red symbolizes strength and visibility…two things we need now more than ever,” added Christianson-Rummenie.
The two moms started the event with Facebook, creating a group called “Long Island Parents for Public Education,” where parents were free to discuss conversations about current issues in education. By mid-March, the “Paint Merrick Road and Montauk Highway Red for Public Ed” event was created, inviting everyone to join in their community and walk to support public education.
Support from parents, students and teachers was received immediately, with everyone creating their own meeting spots. Palermo-Martin and Christianson-Rummenie created flyers and spreadsheets that helped outline where people would be. They also reached out to PTAs, teachers unions and school district administrations through Facebook and emails.
“This was supposed to be fun for families and I believe it was a success,” said Palermo-Martin. “It was amazing to see how this idea took off and spread all over Long Island.”
“This was an amazing effort put forth by a number of people, and we owe them so much. It was so much bigger than I ever envisioned,” added Christianson-Rummenie.
For more pictures from the march, click here.
