BY OLYMPIA MEOLA

The Virginia Education Association is planning rallies around the state on Saturday in support of public education, including a “wake” in Charlottesville.

The teachers association says the events come as the legislature considers K-12 education funding and “bills that would slash retirement benefits and threaten teachers’ job security.”

A “Wake for Public Education” will be held in Charlottesville, during which “Participants will mourn the attacks on public education and celebrate educators who made a difference in their lives,” according to the VEA.  

Other rallies will be held in Virginia Beach and Roanoke.

A couple of weeks ago VEA members participated in “Black Friday,” wearing black to protest funding cuts and other state actions.

This afternoon the Virginia Senate delayed a vote on a teacher contract and evaluation overhaul backed by Gov. Bob McDonnell. The VEA opposes the proposal, which would phase out a tenure-like system for three-year term contracts and make it easier for schools to dismiss teachers.

 It will come before the Senate again tomorrow.