Teachers March for Higher Pay, More School Funding

0:00It's May 1st. You're listening to Durham News today, AI-powered local news. I'm Corey with the story. Thousands of teachers and supporters flooded downtown Raleigh on Friday, marching for more public school funding and higher pay in North Carolina. The NC Association of Educators organized the kids over corporations Raleigh, pushing lawmakers to high corporate taxes to cover the costs. At least 22 school districts shut down classes that day as staff took off to join in. They kicked off with speeches at Halifax Mall, then circled to stay capital, waving signs and chanting at the mostly empty legislative building. This echoes a similar protest back in 2019, where teachers demanded the same fixes, but little has shifted since. Teachers shared raw stories of struggle. One music educator after 26 years showed up for her newbie daughter, saying starting pay barely covers. Living cost. A librarian highlighted shortages in therapists and social workers, forcing staff to stretch thin. A third grade teacher even pulls more cash-weighting tables after school than from her classroom

1:04gig. Republicans brushed off the march, noting they're already boosting teacher salaries, though a recent report ranks North Carolina 46th. Nationally an average pay and per pupil spending. One GOP sheriff who joined praised the cause, vowing to push regional top wages if elected. Organizers rallied behind a Democratic bill to lock corporate taxes at 5%, claiming it could bring in $3 billion yearly for schools. With Republicans holding big majorities in the legislature, the fight for real change rolls on, as these educators keep the pressure dialed up.