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WakeEd
The WakeEd blog is devoted to discussing and answering questions about the major issues facing the Wake County school system: the reassignment of thousands of students, the conversion of traditional-calendar schools to a year-round schedule, the district's response to growth and the school construction program.
WakeEd is maintained by The News & Observer's Wake schools reporter, T. Keung Hui. While Keung posts information and analysis on the issues, keep us posted on your suggestions, questions, tips and what you're doing to cope with the changes in Wake's schools.
Chris Augustine running for the District 2 school board seat
Chris Augustine was the lone candidate to file today to run in this fall's school board elections.
Augustine, 43, a self-employed business owner from Cary who lives near West Lake Elementary school, became the fourth person to run for the District 2 board seat. He's talking about reforming the system to give teachers more control over education.
"Teachers unions and school boards are taking away from what students need to learn," Augustine said.
He said he favors giving parents more choice in school and calendar assignments.
He has a daughter who started kindergarten today at West Lake Elementary.
Augustine, a registered Libertarian, is running against three Republicans for the seat that covers Fuquay-Varina, Garner and Willow Spring. His opponents include Horace Tart, the incumbent and a developer; John Tedesco, a vice president with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Triangle; and Cathy Truitt, a retired Johnston County educator.
Arnold Osborn, an insurance agent, has said he'll run but hasn't filed yet.
Augustine would likely have a hard time winning. He said his plan now is to spend less than $3,000. Candidates who spend that little don't historically win against people who spend more than that amount.
Joe Ciulla, who is vetting candidates for the Wake Schools Community Alliance, said he hadn't heard of Augustine before today. The group hasn't endorsed anyone in District 2.
T. Keung Hui
T. Keung Hui covers Wake schools.
Comments
John Tedesco to pick up key endorsements
Wed, 07/15/2009 - 23:12 — jjgabe30Recognizing our School Board desperately needs leaders like John Tedesco, it appears many are coming together to stand behind him.
In a press release dated 7/15, Arnie Osborne, previously announced candidate for District 2, announced he will step aside to endorse John Tedesco. Tedesco's site is www.4wakekids.com.
Mr. Osbornes press release quotes the following. "We must elect new School Board leaders who will put citizens first and make the sweeping changes needed to make our school system one we can be proud of. With John Tedesco’s filing for the District 2 School Board seat, I believe we have the right candidate to get that job done." http://www.test.arnieosborn.com/gpage7.html
We are also hearing word that with D-2 being the one endorsement left from the Alliance, Tedesco appears to be their man. Incumbent Tart has already been denounced by members of the Alliance, while entrenched long term educator, Cathy Truitt, has failed to earn their confidence with regard to her ability to secure change.
Similar sentiments have been echoed by Garner Mayor, Ronnie Williams. Locals anticipate Mayor Williams to follow Osborne and the Alliance with an August endorsement.
Not all at once!
Mon, 07/13/2009 - 14:11 — g88ky07I love how Horace Tart's name is always followed by, "developer" here. THAT is what is most important to Horace and his beloved followers!
As for Arnie, doesn't sound like much of a threat if he can't file in a timely manner!
Ahhhhh, just another day in D2.