Asheville -- April 21, 2026: Asheville City Schools (ACS) has officially adjusted its calendar, designating Friday, May 1, 2026, as an optional teacher workday. The decision allows staff to participate in the "Kids Over Corporations" rally in Raleigh, a statewide movement advocating for the future of North Carolina’s public classrooms.
In a letter to families, Superintendent Dr. Maggie Fehrman highlighted the logistical necessity of the shift while speaking directly to the importance of the cause.
The Goals of the "Kids Over Corporations" Campaign
The Superintendent’s message detailed the specific mission driving educators to the state capital. The campaign’s goal is to secure a significant increase in investment for public schools while opposing corporate tax breaks and the expansion of private school vouchers.
Beyond funding, the rally serves as a platform for educators to advocate for:
Smaller class sizes to improve student-teacher interaction.
Modern facilities that meet the needs of a 21st-century education.
Better compensation for both teachers and support staff.
Well-resourced schools that ensure every North Carolina student has what they need to succeed.
A Partnership for Student Safety and Stability
The shift to a workday ensures that school operations remain stable despite the high volume of staff participation.
"We have been closely monitoring the number of leave requests for May 1st," the district stated. "At this time, we have determined that we will not have enough staff or substitutes to provide adequate supervision and appropriately monitor students. After reviewing multiple options, we have decided that an Optional Teacher Workday is the best way to ensure student safety and operational stability."
Superintendent Fehrman went on to praise the district’s team, stating, "We appreciate the professionalism of our staff and the understanding of our families as we adjust our schedule to maintain the smooth operation of our schools."