More than 800 Cumberland County educators will walk out of classrooms Friday to join a statewide rally in Raleigh—one of the largest protests for teacher pay and working conditions North Carolina has seen in recent years. The action is forcing school closures across the region and sparking a broader conversation about how the state values its teachers.
“I just want to feel like we’re being supported,” said William Jacobs, a special education teacher at Mac-Williams Middle School who’s been teaching in the county for three years.
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The Real Problem: Overcrowded Classrooms and Low Pay
Jacobs points to a stark reality in many County schools: overcrowding. “Our classrooms are packed,” he said. “I’m talking 35 to 40 students in a single classroom—not enough desks, not enough space to teach effectively.”
That frustration reflects a statewide issue. North Carolina ranks 43rd nationally for teacher pay, with an average salary of $60,000 for the 2024-2025 school year—$10,000 below the national average. For a teacher supporting a family in Cumberland County, that gap is more than a statistic; it’s a daily struggle.
The Timing Problem: Last-Minute Notice Catches Families Off-Guard
The walkout announcement came with less than 48 hours’ notice—a decision that caught working parents scrambling for childcare. Brandon Blackburn, a parent with two kids in Cumberland County Schools, got the call around 5 or 6 p.m. the day before.
“A little more notice would have helped,” Blackburn said. “Maybe an 11 a.m. announcement instead of closing school at the last minute.”
While Blackburn acknowledged teachers deserve better pay, he questioned the timing given that the walkout falls near end-of-grade (EOG) testing season—a critical evaluation period for students.
For childcare providers like Shawniqua Doisher, the impact was immediate. “Four families reached out to me. I could only arrange care for two of them,” she said.
What Happens Next: Calendar Changes and a Push for State Action
Cumberland County Schools canceled Friday classes to allow staff to attend the rally. To make up for the missed instructional day, May 22—originally the last day of school—will now be a makeup day. Students will now finish school on May 26.
The school district acknowledged the disruption in a statement: “Based on this data, it was determined that adjusting the calendar is necessary to ensure the safety, supervision and overall well-being of all students.”
Despite the chaos, Jacobs remains focused on the bigger picture. “The kids I teach are amazing, but it takes a special person to be a teacher. We just have to advocate for ourselves so we can put our best foot forward for these kids,” he said.
As Cumberland County teachers head to Raleigh, they’re hoping state lawmakers will finally listen—and act.
