"Mass Staff Absences Force Closure of 12 Durham Public Schools for Protests"

Twelve Durham Public Schools in North Carolina were closed on Wednesday as teachers called out to attend protests organized by the Durham Association of Educators, citing concerns over pay and recent staffing issues. The protests stem from a pay dispute between classified staff and the district, with demands for fair compensation and inclusion in decision-making processes. Afternoon protests are planned, and the school officials have scheduled a meeting to review proposals for new classified salary schedules.