On Friday, May 1, educators, parents and supporters across the state are expected to gather for a “Kids Over Corporations” rally in Raleigh that, according to the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE), “represents the culmination of growing frustration among educators, students, and communities over the state’s continued failure to adequately invest in public schools, the 1.5 million students they serve, and the educators who support them.”
This comes in the wake of a recent report from the National Education Association (NEA) estimating that for the 2025-26 school year, North Carolina ranks 46th in the country in average teacher pay and 46th in per-student spending. 2026-rankings-and-estimates-report.pdf
A spokesman for the NCAE told the Voice that they are aware of 18 school districts that are closing on May 1. And locally, some educators and their supporters will participate in the rally itself or related events…