As schools across the state brace for potential disruptions, the education community faces a call to action in response to funding issues. An anonymous appeal circulating on social media urges teachers to take sick leave on Friday and Monday to protest the ongoing lack of a state budget, stagnant salaries, and increasing health insurance costs, which educators argue effectively reduce their pay.
However, numerous chapters of the state’s teachers union, including the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Association of Educators, are advising against participation. Concerns about the post’s anonymity and lack of clear objectives are at the forefront of the union’s hesitance.
Rae LeGrone, Vice President of the union, emphasized the need for community support and structured planning, stating, “If we do something too quickly and the community doesn’t know why, then we’re going to lose community support, and that’s really, you know, our schools are the backbone of our community and we’re working together.”
Historically, North Carolina educators have engaged in well-organized work stoppages. The current call to action lacks the usual detailed planning, and with the legislature not in session, the effectiveness of such a protest is questioned. LeGrone highlighted the risks associated with the timing, especially with Monday being the day before Veterans Day, potentially complicating leave approvals.
Despite the union’s stance, the frustration among educators is palpable. LeGrone noted that while salary is a significant issue, the broader problem is the underfunding of the education system, which results in larger class sizes and additional responsibilities for teachers, often beyond their training. The absence of a new state budget exacerbates these issues, halting potential raises and increasing health care premiums for state employees, as detailed in a report on higher health care premiums.
“So it’s really for our classroom educators, it’s really not just about the salary, it’s about the underfunding of the system that is really leading to massive burnout,” LeGrone explained.
In light of these challenges, the union is promoting alternative forms of protest, such as end-of-day walkouts and letter-writing campaigns. A press conference is scheduled at Olympic High School following dismissal tomorrow to further discuss these issues.
Meanwhile, CMS acknowledged awareness of the social media post but did not confirm whether there has been a surge in leave requests. Tom Miner, the district’s assistant communications officer, reiterated the importance of teacher presence, stating, “We are grateful for the tremendous impact our educators make in the lives of students across our district. Every teacher’s presence and engagement are critical to our mission of providing Endless Possibilities for every CMS student.”
In Union County, teachers recently executed a walkout to protest a smaller-than-expected increase in their salary supplement. The Union County Board of Education is expected to finalize the increase at their meeting on Thursday night, with educators planning further action if the desired outcome is not achieved.
