The question seems to be how much change is coming to the magnet program and how soon.

As noted in today's article by Thomas Goldsmith, the new board majority says it will keep the magnet program but will likely make changes as part of a review. One potential change would be the easing of rules that now say that only magnet schools can offer certain courses and electives.

Changes that, for instance, would let schools in western Wake or North Raleigh offer more magnet-like programs would be welcomed by some parents.

"We don't want the whipped cream — give us the crumbs," said school board member Ron Margiotta.

The NAACP, the Coalition of Concerned Citizens for African American Children and the Wake Voter Coalition are urging churches and "supporters of diversity" to fight the return to neighborhood schools.

In a Tuesday press release, the three groups warn that the new school board majority "will jeopardize our children's educational opportunities" and that Southeast Raleigh schools will "not have quality resources" as neighborhood schools.

The press release says that Debra Goldman's support for extending electives in Cary and Apex could eliminate magnet programs. They also blast the idea of a KIPP Academy in Southeast Raleigh, which has been favorably mentioned by John Tedesco and Chris Malone, as being "another segregated school" that won't provide equal education for students.