— The Durham Association of Educators announced Thursday evening that nearly 800 teachers have requested personal leave next month to advocate for Durham Public Schools in Raleigh.

During a press conference before the start of the Durham Public Schools board meeting, the educators said they would request the board cancel classes on May 16 so parents, teachers and advocates can travel to the state General Assembly to demand increased school funding, teacher pay raises and class size reduction.

At Thursday night's school board meeting, board members did not vote to cancel school, but they voted 5-2 for the administration to return Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. with contingency plans.

All seven board members said they do support teachers who plan to attend the rally.

“As a new teacher in North Carolina, I can’t accept what’s become the new normal in the public school system,” teacher Carol Perez said. “If we want our students to reach their full potential, we need to ensure that teachers, parents and students have the resources they need to be successful.”

Teachers said they are making the announcement three weeks early to allow Durham parents to prepare for child care and ensure children who get meals at schools are fed.

In Thursday night's school board meeting, the safety and services for children were also discussed. They estimated around 20,000 children could have "unmet needs" on that day such as childcare or nutrition services.

Along with teachers, many parents said they are also concerned about school funding.

“I take it personally, too. I’m personally offended that my general assembly invests less in my child’s future than most other states,” said Crystal Rogers​, PTA President at Southwest Elementary.