Cape Fear teachers prepare for educator walkout in Raleigh

RALEIGH, N.C. (WWAY) — Thousands of educators across North Carolina are expected to gather in Raleigh on Friday for a walkout and rally urging lawmakers to pass a state budget that increases teacher pay.

The “Kids Over Corporations” protest, organized by the North Carolina Association of Educators, calls for significant salary increases for public school teachers.

Rylee Sherwood, a soon-to-be graduate preparing to begin teaching science in New Hanover County, said she already anticipates needing a second job to supplement her income.

“You have to willingly, meaningfully decide to become a teacher,” Sherwood said.

“Knowing that also teaching is such an exhausting job, physically, emotionally and mentally, thinking about adding another form of work on top of that, especially in the first year is insane,” she added.

The NCAE says North Carolina teachers earn about $16,000 less than the national average and is advocating for a 21% pay raise.

Gov. Josh Stein has proposed an 11% increase in teacher pay in his budget plan. The North Carolina House version includes an average raise of 8.7%, while the Senate proposal calls for a 3.3% increase.

State lawmakers are divided on the planned demonstration.

“I fully support their rally and hope that Republican leadership stops their infighting to do their job, to pass a budget that lifts public educators,” said Representative Deb Butler in a statement.

“I don’t support strikes, especially when it hurts our children. It will have zero positive impact,” said Representative Frank Iler.

In New Hanover County Schools, Friday will remain a regular school day despite the rally. District officials say more than 340 teachers have called out, and about 145 substitute teachers are still needed.

In a letter to families, Superintendent Dr. Christopher Barnes said the district is working to maintain classroom coverage.

“As with any day when staff members are out, we are working diligently to ensure all classes are covered. With the help of our support staff and central office staff, we have approved all personal leave requests submitted within the designated window and have taken additional steps to support our schools,” Barnes wrote.

School board member Tim Merrick said he plans to attend the rally and previously pushed to reschedule a May 4 teacher workday to Friday, citing the need to show support for educators.

“And this was a simply way, fairly simply way for us to tell them, that they matter, that their needs and their concerns are important to us,” Merrick said.

Board member Pat Bradford, who voted against rescheduling the workday, said the board must balance support for teachers with maintaining instructional time.

“I support our teachers, our staff, our students, and our families. I also believe the Board of Education has a responsibility to protect instructional time, respect the school calendar families have planned around, and advocate for funding solutions through the channels that can actually produce results,” Bradford said.

The rally is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. at Halifax Mall in Raleigh, followed by a march at noon.