New Hanover County school board declines May 1 debate amid teacher absence concerns
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) –The New Hanover County Board of Education voted against adding a discussion about May 1 workday concerns to its agenda during its Tuesday agenda review meeting.
Board members considered whether to revisit the district’s decision regarding the student and teacher workday tied to a planned rally in Raleigh. The request came after officials said they had received more than 120 emails from community members expressing concerns on both sides of the issue.
During the discussion, board member Tim Merrick raised concerns about staffing and student safety, noting that about 300 teachers had already requested and been granted leave for May 1.
“Student safety has to be our number one concern,” Merrick said. “If we don’t have enough educators or substitutes in the buildings, that becomes a safety risk.”
According to a New Hanover County Schools spokeswoman, a total of 325 substitute positions were requested for May 1, with 194 filled and 131 still needing coverage.
Personal leave requests were accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, April 24.
The district said central office staff will be used to help support schools in filling remaining vacancies as needed, and principals will implement internal coverage plans to minimize disruption to instruction and maintain continuity of learning.
Some board members opposed adding the topic to the agenda, citing timing concerns. Board member David Perry said reconsidering the decision with only a few days’ notice would not give families enough time to make arrangements for their children.
The May 1 absences are tied to a planned rally organized by the North Carolina Association of Educators. The group, along with educators, parents and community members from across the state, is set to hold the “Kids Over Corporations March” at Halifax Mall in Raleigh.
Organizers say the rally reflects frustration over what they describe as a lack of investment in public schools, the 1.5 million students they serve and the educators who support them.
After debate, the board voted 5-2 against adding the item to the agenda.
