Pittsboro, NC – During a special meeting on Friday, May 11, 2018, the Chatham County Board of Education voted to close all schools for students on Wednesday, May 16, 2018. It will be an optional workday for teachers. The decision was due to both the increasing number of teachers indicating that they will be away from school and the compromised ability to maintain necessary staffing levels due to the shortage of substitute teachers.
“Despite our best efforts, it is likely that we will be understaffed and unable to provide adequate coverage for our students.,” Chatham County Board of Education Chairman Gary L. Leonard said. “While safety necessitated this action, we greatly value our teachers and their work.”
Wednesday’s march is organized by the North Carolina Association of Educators.