LUMBERTON, NC (WBTW) – Schools in Robeson County will close for students on May 1 for the “May 1st Day of Action” rally, a Facebook post from Public Schools of Robeson County says.
The day will be an optional teacher workday “to allow those who wish to participate in the rally.”
“The Public Schools of Robeson County board members and administration support its teachers and all staff. We respect the work that builds and strengthens our future, and will continue to support that which advances teaching and learning in Robeson County, this state, nation, and world,” the post says. “While we appreciate the efforts over the past few years by the general assembly to support public education, we recognize there is still much work to be done on behalf of our staff and students. The “May 1st Day of Action” is a powerful event to show our support for public school students and educators.”
According to the post, there is a shortage of available substitutes to cover anticipated teacher absences.
“The board, along with administration, made this decision with student safety and instruction in mind. Many teachers and staff are requesting leave on May 1st and there is a shortage of available substitutes to cover the anticipated teacher absences. We simply won’t have enough teachers in place to operate schools safely or to ensure a high-quality instructional day for students.”
Admission interviews for Robeson Early College will be conducted as scheduled on Wednesday, the post adds.
All athletic events, competitions, and practices for middle schools are canceled. Events and practices for high schools will continue as scheduled.
Primetime will be closed on Wednesday.
On Monday, SC State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman she will not be at the teacher’s protest on Wednesday, saying in part “I will not be joining those teachers who decide to walk out on their classrooms.”