— More than 10,000 teachers from across North Carolina are expected to protest in Raleigh next Wednesday to ask lawmakers for higher pay and more education funding. One person who won't be there – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mark Johnson.

Johnson has remained relatively quiet about next week's protest, but he took reporters' questions about the topic during an event in Winston-Salem on Monday where he was announcing a new literacy initiative.

"I do not plan to attend a protest on a school day," Johnson said, explaining that he "absolutely" supports teachers but that the protest affects others.

School districts closing on May 16 Alamance-Burlington School System

Alexander County Schools

Asheboro City Schools

Asheville City Schools

Brunswick County Schools (except ECHS)

Buncombe County Schools

Cabarrus County Schools

Caldwell County Schools

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

Chatham County Schools

Cumberland County Schools

Davie County Schools

Durham Public Schools

Franklin County Schools

Gaston County Schools

Granville County Schools

Guilford County Schools

Hickory Public Schools

Hoke County Schools

Iredell-Statesville Schools

Johnston County Schools

Kannapolis City Schools

Lexington City Schools

Mooresville Graded School District

Nash-Rocky Mount Schools

New Hanover County Schools

Onlsow County Schools

Orange County Schools

Pender County Schools

Pitt County Schools

Robeson County Schools

Rowan-Salisbury Schools

Stanly County Schools

Thomasville City Schools

Union County Schools

Vance County Schools

Wake County Public School System

Warren County Schools

Wayne County Public Schools

Wilson County Schools

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools List updated May 15

"We know it affects not only students, but also parents, hourly workers who work at our schools, and also other teachers who might not be taking part in that day," Johnson said. "I am adamant that school leaders should show their support and appreciation for teachers and all personnel in school through not just their words, not just their actions, but their results. And that is what I have lived by over the past year in office."

Nearly a dozen school districts have announced they are closing schools on May 16 for the protest. Durham Public Schools was the first to make the decision and more have followed, including the state's three largest school systems – Wake County, Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Guilford County.

After Durham's announcement last week, WRAL News repeatedly asked the superintendent's office for comment, including whether he supports the protest and schools' decision to close and if he would be attending. Nearly a week later, his spokesman sent a two paragraph reply from the superintendent:

On teacher pay

Pay is important. Teacher salaries have increased each of the last four years — outpacing inflation every year — and North Carolina is one of the top states for fastest rising teacher pay. We are on the right track, and I am pleased teachers will receive another raise next year. In a booming state economy, we need to keep boosting teacher pay to attract and keep talented teachers.

On closing schools on May 16

These are local decisions made with the safety of students in mind, but I hope more school boards do not have to close schools that day. We all know this affects students, parents, and other school employees. Protesting is a right, but it can be just as effective during non-school hours.

WRAL News again asked if the superintendent would be in attendance at next week's protest and whether he supports the protest and schools' decision to close.

"I think those [questions] were pretty well answered," his spokesman, communications director Drew Elliot, responded.

It's unclear where Johnson will be on May 16. WRAL News asked about his schedule that day but has not yet received a response.

The North Carolina Association of Educators, which is organizing the teacher protest, said it has not heard from the state superintendent about next Wednesday's event but is hopeful he will advocate for more education funding.

"That is bringing salaries to the national average. That is per-pupil funding, increasing our per-pupil funding to the national average. This is also investing in school support personnel … buildings," NCAE President Mark Jewell said.

The superintendent and the educators' association have had a tense relationship. In January, NCAE announced it was breaking tradition and not inviting the state superintendent to its annual convention, in part because of Johnson's comments about $35,000 being a good starting salary for some young teachers.

Johnson addressed salaries during his Teacher Appreciation Day video message on Tuesday, saying the two big topics he'll be working on with lawmakers are "continuing pay raises and strategies for ensuring our schools are safe for educators and students."

He also touched on other topics, including reducing testing, school calendars and a new educator recruitment director for his office. One topic he didn't discuss – the May 16 teacher protest.

EducationNC reporter Liz Bell contributed to this report.