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Wake County Public Schools will be closed on May 16th ahead of a teacher rally at the General Assembly.

The rally is to improve teacher working conditions and classroom opportunities for children.

Durham Public Schools and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools have already announce plans to close.

In a letter posted on the WCPSS website, Monika Johnson-Hostler Chair, Wake County Board of Education writes:

Parents,

Many of you are aware that thousands of educators from throughout North Carolina are scheduled to gather in Raleigh on Wednesday, May 16. They are attending a rally at the General Assembly to improve teacher working conditions and classroom opportunities for our children.

At this time, about 2,500 Wake County teachers have requested time away from the classroom to participate in this rally. More requests are expected in the coming days. Our principals can no longer ensure regular instruction and supervision.

As a result, all schools will be closed for normal operations on Wednesday, May 16. It will become an optional teacher workday. No make-up day for students will be required. We are working with principals and school leaders to accommodate modified food service and high school exam schedules. You will receive that information in the coming days.

We are extremely aware that disrupting family routines puts a burden on parents. At the same time, the voices of our teachers need to be heard. Year after year our teachers are asked to do more with less.

I ask that you support them in their decision to highlight the needs of their profession and your children.

Sincerely,

Monika Johnson-Hostler
Chair, Wake County Board of Education