Nashville teachers are sick of their low pay, so hundreds have called out sick.
For the second day, about 1,000 teachers missed school Monday amid angst over Nashville Mayor David Briley's proposed budget.
Briley called for 3% cost of living adjustment for teachers and staff. But teachers want a 10% raise, according to a Change.org petition signed by over 1,600 people.
"The national average salary for teachers is $56,000," middle school teacher Megan Baker told CNN affiliate WSMV. "This is my ninth year in Metro Nashville Public Schools. I don't make over $50,000. I have a master's degree."'
Organizers say they're also fighting for a $15 minimum wage for support staff and a $1-per-hour raise for school bus drivers.
On Friday, about 1,093 teachers were absent, Metro Nashville Public Schools said. Some cited personal illness, while others cited family illness, personal leave, professional leave or bereavement.
