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Pitt County Schools board votes 5-2 to make May 1 an optional teacher workday amid high staff absences
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Summary
At a special called meeting, the Pitt County Schools Board voted 5-2 to declare Friday, May 1 an optional teacher workday after district officials reported nearly 500 staff absences and about 200 unfilled substitute positions, citing student supervision concerns.
At a special called meeting, the Pitt County Schools Board of Education voted 5-2 to make Friday, May 1 an optional teacher workday after district officials reported an unusually high number of staff absences and hundreds of unfilled substitute positions.
Dr. Lassiter, speaking for Pitt County Schools, told the board the district was seeing "nearly 500 staff absences, including 200 unfilled substitute positions," and said that the volume exceeded the district's plan capacity and raised concerns about the district's ability "to provide consistent comprehensive supervision for students throughout the day." He recommended the board declare May 1 an optional workday so schools would not be left without adequate supervision.
The recommendation split the board. Board member Amanda supported the motion, saying teachers are "overworked and underpaid" and that the board should back educators who were using their voice to press legislators for increased funding. "I think the least we can do is support them," she said.
Board member Wirth objected, arguing that the district would lose instructional time ahead of end-of-course and end-of-grade testing and that the change could send a mixed message to families and stakeholders. "I disagree with it, and I will be voting against it," Wirth said.
Other board members raised logistical concerns about students who might be left at home without supervision and urged the district to provide as much advance notice as possible so families could make arrangements. A staff member told the board that a typical Friday absence rate this time of year is about 200 and that the current absence level — roughly 500 — exceeded what substitutes and district coverage plans usually handle.
Board member Amy explained why May 1 was chosen, noting it is observed internationally as International Workers' Day and that many teachers wear red and organize on that date to connect education funding issues to a broader labor movement. Several members said they supported teachers in principle but weighed that support against safety and instructional impacts.
The motion to alter the 2025-26 calendar to make May 1 an optional teacher workday was made by Board member Amanda and seconded by Board member Mary. Chair called the vote; the motion carried 5-2. The board did not read a roll-call of individual votes in the transcript, so individual yea/nay attributions were not recorded on the public record of the meeting.
After the vote the board moved to adjourn the special meeting.
