Students from across North Carolina met face to face with state lawmakers and urged them to make greater investments in public education and listen to their experiences.
North Carolina is the only state in the country that has not passed a state budget, which affects teacher raises and education funding.
NC educators prepare for a mass protest on Friday, May 1 in downtown Raleigh.
Teachers urged the Wake County school board on Tuesday to reconsider a new round of proposed budget cuts they say would harm students.
The school board will meet Thursday evening to vote on a "Reduction in Force" plan.
Leaders of the state's largest school district presented a proposed budget Tuesday as parents and educators rallied outside Wake County schools headquarters.