“One of the primary obligations of a teacher is to look out for their students, you know; our working conditions are their learning conditions ... the money in the gateway cities is critical,” Lapre said.

“We have so many needs,” he said, regarding emotional health and well-being of students, English language learners and a large population of special education students.

Lapre said he tries to be an example to his students and tells them that they have to get involved. “This is not a spectator sport, the health of our democracy depends upon people,” he added.

Leaders of New Bedford Coalition to Save Our Schools also came to support the cause. Coalition Co-Chair Ricardo Rosa said for NBPS, this effort means the continued protection of programs that work, like the strong Advanced Placement program at the high school, elementary schools performing “exceptionally well,” award winning sports and marching band programs.

“We want to protect these great people, these great programs and increased funding can only help us do that,” he said.

Cynthia Roy is a science teacher at Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School in Taunton, a co-chair of the coalition and a New Bedford resident.

About 10 years ago, she taught in New Bedford for three years, and she didn’t have the resources she needed to teach, she said.

“It’s not about the lack of heart, like that’s why I love this city so much. There is so much heart. It’s about the lack of resources ... everybody wants to be able to give all these kids the best education possible,” she said.