26 school districts cancel class ahead of teacher rally in downtown Raleigh
Last year, teachers, parents, students and supporters transformed downtown Raleigh into a sea of red and in one week, it will happen again.
Posted — UpdatedSo far, 26 school districts and several charter schools have announced that they have canceled classes on May 1 because of the number of teachers expected to be absent.
The North Carolina Association of Educators has organized the “May 1 Day of Action” to demand more support from public schools from state lawmakers. A similar rally last year drew 19,000 educators from across the state and closed more than 40 school systems.
"It is time for us to return to Raleigh," one person said Wednesday at a meeting.
NCAE's president said the group has five priorities for this year's rally:
- Provide enough school librarians, psychologists, social workers, counselors, nurses, and other health professionals to meet national professional-to-student standards.
- Provide a $15 minimum wage for all school personnel, a 5 percent raise for all ESPs (non-certified staff), teachers, administrators, and a 5 percent cost-of-living adjustment for retirees.
- Expand Medicaid.
- Reinstate state retiree health benefits eliminated by the General Assembly in 2017.
- Restore advanced degree compensation stripped by the General Assembly in 2013.
On Wednesday, speakers stepped up to talk about each bill.
"If these benefits remain cut, future teachers will either change careers or choose to teach in a different state," said Kristin Beller.
So what's changed since last years rally?
"I think that all the education bills that have made it to the House and the Senate this year are an indication that yes, there has been significant progress," said Megan Wing.
Educators are hoping that trend will continue with the major movement happening on May 1.
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