Parents, students, educators, and residents wearing “Red for Ed” turned out to support a “Walk-In” for public schools on Friday morning at school sites throughout the city.
The rally was called to bring attention to the dismantling of the Department of Education, which supports students with disabilities, English Learners, children who face racial and gender discrimination, and children who live in poverty — with programs including IDEA, Title I, Title IX, financial support for college through FAFSA, and much more. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 20 directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to abolish the department. The department has already let go of nearly half its workforce to start downsizing the agency, according to ABC news.
Longtime resident Fran Wolfe attended Piedmont schools in the 60s 
APT President Dr. Elise Marks said one of the first people to show up at the rally point in Piedmont Park was a Class of 1960 PHS graduate, whose mother was herself a PHS grad, class of 1924. “She said Piedmont schools mean the world to her, and she was so glad we were rallying to support public education. Other grads from many decades ago, or parents of students who are now adults, also joined and thanked us for providing an opportunity to express their support for keeping public education strong, here and across the country,” said Marks in an email after the event.
“This community does care deeply about its schools and its teachers and all our students! And they care about fighting for free, accessible, excellent education for every child in this country,” she said.
Wildwood Elementary School (photo: APT) 
Beach Elementary School (photo: Meghan Bennett)