NC superintendent email to teachers about May 1 rally

Educators –

When I visit schools around North Carolina, I talk to teachers, hear your concerns, and bring your ideas back to the capital seeking results. These visits and discussions most recently resulted in legislation introduced just this week that would give you direct control of $400 to spend on classroom supplies as you, the teachers, see fit. Also, I am working with the General Assembly to increase the total funding for classroom supplies that goes to your districts.

I encourage discussions about different ideas and opinions. Your voice is crucial. I want you to know why I cannot agree with one group's proposal to encourage schools to close on May 1.

Many of you have dealt firsthand with the consequences of the severe weather this year and the resulting school closings due to hurricanes, flooding, and bad winter weather. More than 1 million students missed at least one day of school due to Florence alone – and more than 160,000 students missed 10 or more days because of that same storm.

Weather hit us hard this year, and I do not want to encourage any more students missing any more school days. It’s not good for students’ academic and nutritional needs, or for our bus drivers and some other non-certified staff, who may miss scheduled work hours and, as a result, pay.

As you consider the different ways you can influence your state government, I ask that as an alternative to Wednesday, May 1, you consider taking action on a day when schools are not in session.

Consider scheduling meetings with your representatives during spring break. I plan to be in Raleigh for most of the days during the upcoming spring breaks in order to meet with you and legislators. As meetings are scheduled, we will be working with legislators to join you. There is also the opportunity to organize a march in Raleigh one day in June right after the traditional school year ends.

As always, when you are in Raleigh, regardless of the date, the DPI building will be available to you if you need it for water, restrooms, or shelter from the weather.

Thank you for everything you do for your students and your service to our state. North Carolina is fortunate to have each and every one of you.

Sincerely,

NCsuperintendent.com