Optional Teacher Workday, Non-School Day For Students
Johnston County Public Schools will be closed to students with an optional teacher workday on Wednesday, May 1, a day that has been publicized as a teacher rally at the General Assembly.
As of Thursday, 505 teachers, teacher assistants, bus drivers, and other school system employees have elected to take leave on May 1st. The safety and security of our 37,000 students, including the 23,000 students who ride the bus daily is of the utmost importance to Johnston County Public Schools, officials said in a press release.
Though there will be no formal instruction that day, the following schools will open their cafeterias on May 1 for breakfast and lunch: Cooper Elementary, Micro Elementary, West Smithfield Elementary, Corinth Holders Elementary, Four Oaks Elementary, Princeton Elementary, and Selma Elementary. Breakfast will be served from 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. and lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The breakfast menu will consist of a chocolate crescent roll, fruit juice, and milk for breakfast. Lunch will consist of BBQ chicken flatbread, spinach salad, an Emoji fruit freeze, and milk. Students eat free; the cost for parent meals will be $3.50.
“Without the presence of essential staff members, normal operations will be disrupted and create possible issues regarding the order of our school day,” said Dr. Ross Renfrow, Superintendent.
Board of Education Chairman Mike Wooten added, “We fully support our superintendent’s decision. The Board of Education understands the burden this decision puts on families; however, safety and security is paramount. The Johnston County Board of Education supports its teachers, knowing that the work they perform is lasting and cannot afford to be unnoticed. For the record, the JCPS Board of Education is committed to its teachers, respects the work that builds and strengthens our future, and will continue to support that which advances teaching and learning in Johnston County, this state, nation, and world. Our teachers’ voice is important and valuable to us. We also appreciate those who provide the support services necessary to ensure academic achievement. We rely heavily upon our teacher assistants, bus drivers, custodians, school nutrition, and clerical staff to serve our students.”
In the coming days, Johnston County Public Schools will provide notification to students and parents of any rescheduled testing, special events, field trips, and any other activities planned for May 1.
