COLUMBIA, S.C. — Lexington-Richland School District 5 has announced they will close all schools Wednesday due to a planned teacher rally that day.
The district says with all the teachers who had requested off that day to attend the vent, they couldn't ensure that they'd have the proper staffing to have a normal school day.
"School District Five’s focus is always on our students and their safety," the district said in a statement. "It is out of an abundance of caution that the decision to close schools Wednesday was made."
The district said their main office will remain open, however.
As for making up the day, the district said it will likely have to do that at the end of the school year A final decision on that will be made by the school board at a later day.
Normal schedules will resume on Thursday.
Teacher group SC For Ed has asked teachers to take the school day off and rally for higher pay, smaller class sizes and other education reforms.
South Carolina State School Superintendent Molly Spearman said Monday that she does not support the effort, which she referred to as a "walkout."
"I support teachers using their voice to advocate for needed change and share in their commitment to ensuring reforms become reality," Spearman said in part. "However, I cannot support teachers walking out on their obligations to South Carolina students, families, and the thousands of hardworking bus drivers, cafeteria workers, counselors, aides, and custodial staff whose livelihoods depend on our schools being operational."
Here is the full statement from Lexington-Richland School District 5:
"As reported by multiple media outlets, several districts considered closures due to a teacher rally at the statehouse on May 1st . Consistent with any absence, School District Five staff participating in the May 1st event were required to submit requests for personal leave. Offices, including the district office, will remain open on May 1st ."
"After monitoring leave requests over the past few days and considering unanticipated additional leave that could occur on May 1st, the district made the decision to close schools Wednesday."
"Despite several contingency plans, including but not limited to utilizing substitutes and staff, the staffing needed to ensure normal school operations on May 1st could not be provided. School District Five’s focus is always on our students and their safety. It is out of an abundance of caution that the decision to close schools Wednesday was made."
"With limited make-up day options in the remaining academic year, we anticipate the missed school day will be made up at the end of the year upon Board review and approval."
"Schools and offices will operate on normal schedules on Thursday, May 2nd. Any future announcements will be made using the school district’s automated telephone system, the district website, social media and local media outlets."