Thousands of NC teachers, including hundreds from Cape Fear, prepare for rally in Raleigh

CAPE FEAR, NC (WWAY) — Thousands of teachers from across North Carolina are expected to gather in Raleigh on Friday to rally for increased support of public schools, as educators and advocates call on state lawmakers to boost funding and address long-standing concerns about pay and resources.

The rally, organized by the North Carolina Association of Educators, is called “Kids Over Corporations.” Organizers say the demonstration aims to push for greater investment in public education and highlight disparities affecting teachers across the state.

Hundreds of educators from the Cape Fear region are expected to attend.

Kristina Mercier, a retired teacher from New Hanover County Schools, said she plans to join the rally despite no longer being in the classroom. Mercier previously participated in similar demonstrations in 2018 and 2019 and said key issues remain unresolved.

“The state needs to invest money in public education,” Mercier said, pointing to stagnant wages as a major concern.

“Between years of 15 and 25, there is no raise for teachers,” she said. “That means you sit there making the same thing for 10 years. What job does that?”

Tamika Walker Kelly, president of the association, said North Carolina continues to lag behind neighboring states in teacher pay, contributing to educator turnover.

“Every single neighboring state pays teachers more than we do,” Walker Kelly said. “Georgia is 22nd, Virginia 23rd, South Carolina 31st, Tennessee 39th, and North Carolina 46th. This is why we keep seeing educators leave North Carolina for better-paying jobs across the border.”

The rally is expected to draw thousands of participants statewide, including educators taking time away from their classrooms. In New Hanover County alone, more than 300 teachers have requested substitutes for Friday, raising concerns among some local officials.

Tim Merrick, a member of the New Hanover County Board of Education, worries about the safety of students being impacted.

“Student safety has to be our number one concern, and my concern is if we don’t have enough educators or substitutes in the buildings, that becomes a safety risk,” Merrick said.

Unlike some districts across the state, New Hanover County Schools opted not to cancel classes on Friday despite the high number of teacher absences.

Elsewhere in the Cape Fear region, some districts have adjusted schedules. Brunswick County Schools already had a scheduled teacher workday, allowing educators to attend the rally without affecting students.

Brunswick County Superintendent Dale Cole said he supports teachers attending the rally.

“I do know that we’ve had quite a few teachers who have emailed our General Assembly members and explained to them how not having a state budget impacts them personally as an individual and as a teacher,” Cole said. “And so, you know, I’m glad they did that, they need to advocate for themselves, they’re state employees, they’re also North Carolina citizens.”

Columbus County Schools also scheduled a workday, while Pender County Schools plan to operate on a normal schedule.

More than 15 school districts statewide, including at least two in southeastern North Carolina, have canceled classes for Friday in anticipation of the demonstration. Similar rallies are also planned in other parts of the state.