RALEIGH, N.C. (VINnews) — Thousands of North Carolina teachers and school staff converged on the state capital Friday for a rally demanding increased public education funding, higher salaries and opposition to school vouchers and corporate tax breaks, prompting widespread class cancellations across multiple districts.

The “Kids Over Corporations” demonstration, organized by the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE), took place May 1 on Halifax Mall as lawmakers continue to negotiate a delayed state budget. Protesters called for action on teacher pay — North Carolina ranks near the bottom nationally in average educator salaries — and greater investment in public schools.

At least 13 school districts, including major ones like Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Wake County and others in the Charlotte region, canceled classes due to high numbers of teacher and staff absences. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools reported more than 1,300 employees requested the day off. Districts cited safety and staffing concerns as reasons for the closures.

The event coincided with May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, a date traditionally associated with labor movements worldwide. Broader May Day protests across the country have drawn involvement from a coalition of groups, including some with socialist and Marxist ties.

Reports have linked elements of the wider May Day mobilization to networks funded by Neville Roy Singham, a U.S.-born tech entrepreneur based in Shanghai. Singham has provided substantial funding to organizations such as the People’s Forum and groups affiliated with the Party for Socialism and Liberation, according to investigations by Fox News and others. These networks have supported various left-leaning causes and maintain ties to international leftist movements.

NCAE officials described the Raleigh rally as a nonpartisan effort focused on supporting students and educators amid ongoing budget disputes. “We are united in our fight for public education,” one participant told local media. Critics, however, pointed to the timing and some participating organizations as evidence of ideological motivations beyond school funding.

State education leaders expressed mixed reactions. North Carolina Schools Superintendent Catherine Truitt had previously urged that such protests occur on non-school days to minimize disruption to students.

The rally comes as North Carolina remains the only state without a new budget in place, exacerbating concerns over teacher shortages and resources. Organizers said they aim to pressure legislators ahead of final budget decisions.