The Orange County Schools Board of Education voted to make May 1 an optional teacher workday. Districts across the Triangle, including Chapel Hill – Carrboro City Schools, have been taking this step as another large teacher rally is being planned for May 1 in Raleigh.

Christina Clark is an English teacher at Cedar Ridge High School who asked the school board at its meeting Monday night to cancel class in coordination with the day of advocacy.

Clark said in an interview after Monday’s vote that she “wanted them to show that Orange County is a leader in the state, and we want to show support for teachers all around the state that are in need.”

Clark was part of the teacher rally last year and said she plans to be again this year.

Most school districts have said the districts are unable to operate safely with the high number of teachers who are requesting for the day off. Orange County Schools spokesman Seth Stephens said while that is a concern, the board also expressly wanted to show support for teachers with Monday’s vote.

Durham Public Schools also announced Monday that May 1 will be an optional teacher workday.

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