CARY, N.C. – Like their counterparts in Durham and Chapel Hill Carrboro City schools, Wake County officials have announced they are canceling classes on May 16 so teachers and other educators can attend a rally at the General Assembly.

A letter from Wake County Board of Education Chair Monika Johnson-Hostler to parents says about 2,500 Wake County teachers have requested time away from the classroom to participate in the rally. More requests are expected.

The number of requests means "regular instruction and supervision cannot be ensured."

That means all schools will be closed on Wednesday, May 16, which will become an optional teacher workday.

“We are extremely aware that disrupting family routines puts a burden on parents,” said Johnson-Hostler in the letter. “At the same time, the voices of our teachers need to be heard. Year after year our teachers are asked to do more with less.”

No make-up day for students will be required.