Classes at South Whidbey High School are expected to continue as normal today, despite a well-publicized walkout by students and staff that’s planned to draw attention to state budget cuts in education and other areas.

“We’re asking the teachers to continue with their curriculum as normal. And students are expected to be there,” said Rob Prosch, principal at South Whidbey High School.

The walkout is part of the National Day of Action to Defend Education, a day that will be marked by demonstrations across the country. Students, healthcare workers, union members and others are expected to take part.

The South Whidbey walkout is being organized by Jumanji Oliana, a 2004 graduate of South Whidbey High and a member of the Olympia Coalition for a Fair Budget. The demonstration is meant to draw attention to $408 million in K-12 funding cuts this year, Oliana said, and $500 million in cuts to higher education.

The all-day protest is planned to start at 9:10 a.m. Oliana said she hopes many students and staff members at the high school will participate along with others across the state and country.

“I really believe there is power in numbers,” she said. “The more schools that participate nationwide, the bigger the impact.”

“I hope it all goes well, and students learn from the experience,” Oliana added.

Prosch said he supports students who want to have their voices heard, but also said that state law and school board policy are clear.

“Students are required to be in school when school is in session,” he said.

“We support kids in regard to their advocacy and their rights,” Prosch said. “If they desire to do something before and after school, or even during lunchtime, there’s the time for them to do that.”

“However, during class time they need to be in class. And that’s the stance that we’re taking.”

Oliana is a recent graduate of Evergreen State College. She participated in protests against the Iraq War while she was a SWHS student, and said she will spend Thursday at a “funeral for education” that will start at Evergreen and wrap up with the delivery of a casket to the Capitol.

She said she hoped students who participate in the SWHS walkout will not be unfairly disciplined, but added that students who join in will need to consider the consequences.

“That’s something students will have to decide for themselves,” she said.