Wake cancels in-person classes on Friday as teachers go to Raleigh protest
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Wake County canceled in-person classes Friday and moved schools to remote learning.
- Substitutes refusing to show up contributed to the district going remote instruction.
- At least 21 North Carolina districts, including five largest, will be closed Friday.
The Wake County school system has canceled in-person classes for Friday at all schools ahead of the mass teacher protest in Raleigh.
The majority of Wake County’s 203 schools were already going to be closed Friday because of a teacher workday scheduled before the protest was announced. On Thursday, the school district announced that all of the remaining schools — year-round, modified calendar and early colleges — will now switch to remote learning on Friday.
Wake had thought it would have enough substitute teachers for Friday. But a number of the remaining schools were still short with substitute teachers refusing to show up to show solidarity with educators who will be marching on Friday.
“This decision reflects our commitment to providing a safe, supportive and high-quality learning environment for every student while ensuring continuity of instruction.,” Wake said in the announcement. “Moments like this reinforce the vital role our educators play each day. We remain deeply committed to supporting our teachers and staff, and to partnering with our community to elevate a strong, unified voice in advocating for the resources and support our schools deserve.”
Wake’s decision means at least 21 North Carolina 115 school districts — including the five largest — will all close on Friday due to the protest. Wake is North Carolina’s largest district with 160,000 students.
Ten districts made May 1 decisions this week, including Hoke County deciding on Thursday to make Friday a teacher workday. Hoke is one of the original plaintiffs in the Leandro school funding case that was recently dismissed by the state Supreme Court.
The “Kids Over Corporations” protest is being organized by the North Carolina Association of Educators. NCAE had asked educators across the state to request May 1 off to protest in Raleigh for higher pay and more school funding.
At last week’s school board meeting, the Wake County chapter of NCAE asked the district to close the remaining schools scheduled to be open Friday.
Remote instruction on Friday
Under state law, schools are allowed to use up to five remote instruction days a year due to emergencies.
Wake uses asynchronous remote learning days, meaning there’s no live online instruction. Teachers are supposed to provide students with work that they can do on their own at home.
The lack of live instruction means Wake teachers at the schools using remote instruction will be able to attend the protest by the Legislative Building.
“Families are encouraged to review the Remote Instruction Plan on our website for clear guidance and expectations to help students stay engaged and successful during the day,” Wake told parents on Thursday. “We are grateful for your continued partnership, flexibility, and support as we work together to ensure every student remains safe, connected, and learning.”
This story was originally published April 30, 2026 at 1:32 PM.
