Thousands of North Carolina educators marched through downtown Raleigh on Friday during the 'Kids Over Corporations' rally organized by the North Carolina Association of Educators, resulting in 22 school districts canceling classes and affecting 712,636 students. That figure represents 47% of the state's 1.5 million public school students.

The rally began at Halifax Mall and proceeded to the General Assembly and Capitol buildings before returning, drawing nearly 10,000 participants, including teachers, staff, parents, students, and community members. Speakers such as Enloe High School senior Wasswa Myers and parent Nancy Cunningham urged lawmakers to prioritize public education.

Organizers demanded a 25% pay raise for all school employees, per-pupil funding of at least $20,000 by 2030, an end to corporate tax breaks and private school vouchers, and lifting the ban on collective bargaining for public workers. They highlighted North Carolina's ranking of 50th in public school funding efforts and 43rd in average teacher pay.

Districts such as Buncombe County Schools, Asheville City Schools, and Wake County Public School System either canceled classes or shifted to remote learning due to high teacher participation. The closures left many parents scrambling for childcare arrangements.

The North Carolina Republican Party criticized the event, stating, “It’s not just students; parents across North Carolina will bear the burden of the NCAE’s latest stunt this Friday.” Senate Leader Phil Berger noted that teacher pay remains a priority but emphasized focusing on educational outcomes, adding that the state is doing 'fairly well.' The party affirmed its commitment to quality education while distancing itself from the NCAE's positions.

The rally occurred amid ongoing budget negotiations for fiscal year 2026-27, with no agreement reached. Governor Josh Stein proposed an average 11% teacher raise over two years, while House and Senate plans offered 8.7% and 3.3%, respectively. NCAE argued that the urgency stems from a 'fiscal cliff' threatening public schools.