10 best signs we saw at Raleigh teachers rally

State of play: State funding for public schools has slid in the years since, and pandemic-era learning loss continues to complicate teachers' day-to-day realities.

• So educators, kids and their supporters took the day off school (where it wasn't canceled) Friday to make a statement to politicians.
• Much of the advocacy centered on the absence of a state budget, leaving schools operating on 2024–25 funding levels and pay scales.

What they're saying: Here are 10 of the best signs we saw at the rally:

• 🐜 "What is this? A school budget for ants?" with a photo of Ben Stiller from "Zoolander."
• 🔪 "This budget is chopped! Imma crash out. (My middle schoolers get it.)" How do you do, fellow kids?
• 🤓☝️ "Can't be last in school funding if you never fund the schools."
• 📝 "Pay teechers or your kits will spel like this."

• 😅 "Think we give up easily? Ask us how long we wait to pee!"
• 🚸 "I can count to 50! 😊 That's NC's rank in school funding. 😡" Analysis by the Education Law Center.
• 🙈 "Even the introverts are here!"
• 🐶 "Are you telling me the dog ate your budget?"
• 😪 "I'm on my lunch break from my 2nd job."
• 🥹 "Pay me more so I can teach forever," a young teacher wrote.

The bottom line: Activists are hoping their presence in Raleigh made enough of a statement that lawmakers feel motivated to end the stalemate and pass a new budget — at least by next school year.