Over the past two years, teachers from across Kentucky have flooded the state capitol and emerged as a noticeable and controversial lobbying force. Led by a group called KY 120 United, educators last year swarmed the statehouse to protest sweeping pension reforms and, eventually, Gov. Matt Bevin’s budget vetoes.

The press conference, held at Jefferson County Teachers Association headquarters, is the first public display of unity by district unions against the continuing work stoppages at JCPS. 

The failed effort to convince JCPS teachers that “Tuesday is too late” – several in the JCPS Leads group changed their Facebook profiles to an image that includes the phrase over the weekend – comes as district officials restlessly watch for possible “sick outs” this week with lawmakers set to return to the Capitol Tuesday.

JCPS Superintendent Marty Pollio said he’s hopeful that the plan will keep JCPS open next with lawmakers scheduled to meet Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday before breaking for a veto recess, but there’s no guarantee.

JCPS canceled Thursday classes around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday "due to significant teacher absences and the inability to safely cover a large number of classes with substitute teachers."