SC teacher group plans May 1 walkout and march to Statehouse

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A group of South Carolina teachers organized on social media is asking all teachers to take a day off during the middle of next week and march on the Statehouse.

[ALSO READ: Several local school districts close ahead of teacher rally in Raleigh]

SC for Ed is organizing the All Out On May 1 rally, saying lawmakers have not done enough this year to help teachers after promising education reform.

>> Channel 9's South Carolina bureau reporter Greg Suskin is reaching out to local districts to see how the May 1 rally could impact your child's school day. 

In a statement, the group says a 4 percent raise for teachers in this year's proposed budget is not enough. They also are upset the General Assembly has not passed proposals to reduce class sizes, guarantee teachers at least a short break without students and add social workers and counselors.

The Chester County School District announced it will cancel school for all students and staff on May 1. Officials said the day will be made up at the end of the year.

“With the School Board and Superintendent's approval, we support our educators and their decision to exercise their collective voices,” a message from the district said.

A similar rally is planned for North Carolina on May 1, where a number of the state's larger school districts have canceled classes.

Associated Press