The one figure that people kept repeating out of Thursday's Wake County school board economically disadvantaged student performance task force meeting was 35 percent.

As noted in today's article, 35 percent is this year's gain in Algebra I enrollment under the new EVAAS placement guidelines compared to last year's total. There was a 26 percent increase in pre-Algebra enrollment. Overall, the gain for both courses was 30 percent.

"I know this is new for a lot of principals, but I want to really thank all of you for taking on the challenges," said school board member John Tedesco, chairman of the task force at Thursday's meeting. "Because of that we saw measurable gains. You can’t dispute that. A 35 percent increase is impressive."

UPDATE

SEE END OF POST FOR THURSDAY'S POWERPOINT PRESENTATION ON MATH PLACEMENT UPDATE

We've got new principals tonight at Garner High, Ligon Middle, Fuquay-Varina Elementary and West Lake Elementary.

Drew Cook was promoted from assistant principal to principal of Garner High. He replaces Mike Holton, who cited medical reasons for his departure.

Cook, who has worked as a teacher and AP at Garner High since 1997, will receive $97,167 a year,

UPDATE

Bio sheets now at end of post.