DURHAM, N.C. -- There's a call to action for local educators to take off a workday to head to Raleigh to make their voices heard.         

Instead of the classroom, they will be at the legislature pushing state lawmakers to increase funding and salaries.

The Durham Association of Educators wants more than 650 Durham teachers to take a personal day on May 16 to head to the General Assembly.

They say 791 teachers have turned in leave papers so far.

They are asking lawmakers to increase funding for school staff and per-student spending and also want to raise pay for teachers and state employees which includes a pay scale that values veteran teachers.

In addition, they are pushing lawmakers to expand Medicaid eligibility.

The DAE says they recognize closing schools for the day would cause hardships for parents, but they're working with the district for support.