Thousands rally in Raleigh calling for more funding for NC public schools
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Thousands of teachers, parents, and education advocates are gathering in downtown Raleigh on Friday, demanding more funding and support for North Carolina's public schools.
The rally at Halifax Mall comes as educators say years of underfunding and staffing shortages have pushed schools across the state to a breaking point. Organizers say the event isn't just about teacher pay, but the long-term future of public education and whether schools have the resources to adequately support students.
Advocates are calling for a major increase in public school funding, stronger oversight of private school voucher programs, and changes to tax policies they argue prioritize corporations over classrooms.
Events began at 10 a.m., with several speakers scheduled before a march at noon.
North Carolina currently remains the only state without a new budget, a delay educators say has made existing staff and resource shortages worse. The state ranks 43rd nationally in average teacher pay and last in the nation for overall school funding effort.
In Wake County -- the state's largest school district -- schools rank 110th out of 115 districts in per-pupil funding from the state.
Educators say those rankings translate directly to overcrowded classrooms, fewer support staff, and growing vacancies. According to state data, there are more than 6,700 teaching vacancies across North Carolina.
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"I became a teacher in 2004, and I was working at a moving company two weeks into the school year because there weren't jobs," said Bryan Proffitt, an educator attending the rally. "Now, after a decade and a half of disinvestment, our schools are reaching a breaking point."
Budget concerns are also looming. Gov. Josh Stein has warned lawmakers about a potential $3.5 billion budget gap over the next two years, raising fears of further cuts to education spending.
Parents say the lack of funding sends a clear message about priorities -- and they believe students should come first.
"It's just another page in the book of putting kids last," said Kim Mackey, a parent. "So many of us dedicate our lives to preparing students for the adult world, not just academically, but with other skills they need. To not have that support is very hard to understand."
Advocates say Friday's rally is meant to send a clear message to state leaders.
"We need to send a clear message that these are the people who matter in this state," said Vivian Vall. "We need to put students first and give them the resources they need to be successful."
