DURHAM, N.C. -- Durham Schools will be closed on May 16.

• Durham schools closed on May 16.
• 1,028 teachers had requested personal days.
• Teachers taking off to protest lack of school funding at General Assembly.

The Board of Education decided Wednesday night to close schools and have an optional teacher work day.

This comes after 1,028 teachers requested personal days on that day in order to go to the General Assembly and demand greater funding for schools. They want law makers to increase funding for pay, counselors, social workers and school nurses.

The General Assembly is expected to convene at noon.

The move also means Durham Public School parents have less than two weeks to scramble and find childcare.

Some organizations, like the Durham YMCA, are looking for ways to help parents.