LAKELAND, Fla. — The Polk County School District is expecting increased teacher absences Tuesday. 

A day after more than 1,000 teachers were out to attend a rally in Tallahassee, more teachers are expected to miss class on Tuesday. So much so, that Polk district officials have canceled a work session.

The district shared a Facebook post early Tuesday saying: 

Polk County Public Schools is expecting higher than normal teacher absences today. The School Board work session has been canceled so that district staff members can provide support to our schools. An update will be posted later this morning.

According to school authorities, more than 1,000 Polk teachers took a personal day Monday to attend an education rally in Tallahassee to push for more school funding.

The absences put a strain on schools, including at Citrus Ridge Academy in northeast Polk County, where nearly 50 teachers were missing. 

School leaders brought in many substitute teachers, some sheriff's deputies and even district staff members to help out. 

"We are here today to make sure that we have schools open," said Superintendent Jacqueline Byrd. "The doors are open and kids are in there having a great time. I can tell you my district staff is really having a great time."

Many Polk parents kept their children at home Monday. 

According to Citrus Ridge officials, about 30 percent of students were absent Monday.