After announcing that Peoria Unified schools were expecting adequate staff to reopen on Thursday, the district now says all schools will be closed Thursday, PUSD spokeswoman Danielle Airey said in a statement.

She said the absence data increased since the last statment and there was no other choice but to close.

Protestors have been waiting for state legislators to pass a budget proposed to include a 20 percent pay raise for teachers by the 2020 school year.

"As of 3:30 p.m. today a state budget had not passed, and our data shows that staff will not be returning to work. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause as we were hopeful we would be able to open our schools," according to the statement. "Please know that we are as anxious as you to welcome back our students and staff, however, we must ensure we have a safe environment at all campuses."

Ms. Airey said many peer districts are experiencing the the same situation.

"We are aware of varying reports coming from the state capitol and that the budget could still pass late tonight or early tomorrow morning," she stated. "Please know that we continue to monitor the discussion and remain in constant contact with our teachers."

The walk-out, a result of long-time teacher dissatisfaction over pay and educational funding, is now in its fifth day, leaving about 37,000 students to make up the school days at future dates.

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