The school board has approved a pair of grandfathering changes recommended today by staff, including a big one parents have been asking to get for years.
The big grandfathering change would allow more families to keep siblings together in the same school. If a family gets a transfer for a child to stay at a school, it will also extend to younger siblings already at the school.
For instance, a transfer granted to a rising fourth-grader would be given to a sibling who is also a rising first-grader. It would not, however, apply if the younger siblings have not yet begun attending the school.
Dulaney said this expanded grandfathering would also mean that if a family of a rising 11th grader assigned to a new high school who gets a transfer would have one automatically given to a rising 10th-grade sibling.
Dulaney said it's possible to do this now because growth has slowed down and the building program has caught up.
The other grandfathering change approved by the board would be to automatically grant transfer requests to students if they've been reassigned twice within a three-year period.
This applies to kids who'd be moved twice within three years in the same grade configuration. It doesn't apply, for instance, if your elementary assignment is changed one year and then the middle school the following year.
The latter change also only applies if you were already attending the school when the changes were made. You can't say my child would have been reassigned twice within three years if he had started school then.
Comments
So does this mean -
Fri, 01/23/2009 - 10:22 — enoughIf your neighborhood has been reassigned - like Lacy to Stough - and you have a rising 4th or 5th grader that will be grandfathered, that if you also have a rising 1st or 2nd grader that they would also be allowed to stay at Lacy?
Yes..but
Mon, 01/26/2009 - 12:41 — CaryMomof4Yes...but your kindergartner will have to go to the new school without her older siblings.
Yes.
Mon, 01/26/2009 - 09:16 — KeungHui (author)Yes.
Case in point
Thu, 01/22/2009 - 17:34 — louiselee44If you look at the adopted 2009 - 2010 WCPSS calendar, you will see that if this week's scenario plays out next year, we would be making up snowday #2 on June 10. The last day of school is June 9th. :-)
curious
Thu, 01/22/2009 - 14:47 — louiselee44"She's not a school employee or board member, just a parent. So please try to be nice." Keung - to whom does this refer?
Or is it just as well I not know? :-)
supportwcpssnet
Thu, 01/22/2009 - 14:48 — KeungHui (author)supportwcpssnet
THank you
Thu, 01/22/2009 - 13:14 — supportwcpssThank you to WCPSS for listening and accommodating these changes.
Please think about this
Thu, 01/22/2009 - 18:15 — fiestamomHi supportwcpss,
One of your main complaints about the regulars on this board is that they're never happy with the school board.
This is what I want you to consider.... I have had my children enrolled in school in 3 (different)large metropolitan school districts in this country. Before I moved here, I could have cared less about my local school board. I had issues here and there with the curriculum (they used Trailblazers at both of the other districts). All of my friends were just like me, involved parents, regular volunteers at school, PTA members, etc. Believe me when I say that out of all my friends, we couldn't have come up with the name of a single school board member.
I truly believe it's because the school boards in the two other cities, were primarily focused on *education*. I say that without my usual sarcasm. They got out of the way (for the most part) and focused on education for all children. One of my kids schools was an eclectic mix of high income, middle class and low income. It was split into thirds just like that, and to be honest, that was my favorite school out of all the ones my kids have attended.
The reason the frustration comes out on this board is because of the adversarial way the board treats parents, and they treat every kid as a number to be put into a reassignment jumble every 3 years.
Unfortunately, Wake County is a unique school district, and you see the results of their focus on things other than education. I hope you will consider this. You're a parent too, we all care deeply about our kids education, we all want what's best for our kids.
Okay...
Thu, 01/22/2009 - 21:22 — supportwcpssWere those districts growing at 4-7K students a year? Was there uncontrollable growth. Did the school district have 140K children? Did that school district have 12 municipalities that controlled their own growth?
I think the Board would like to do nothing more then focus on education. Unfortunately, in my opinion, the CCs and the leaders of our local communities make that nearly impossible.
I strongly disagree with you that the board treats parents that way. I have had multiple conversations with Board members, some of which have ended in a disagreement. But their was mutual respect in those conversations. These people get paid 15K a year. You think they are doing this for the money? For the power? There is no one who wants this job.
I also want what's best for my kids, but that has absolutely nothing to do with the schedule or the distance from our school. This is the point at which what is important to each of us diverges a great deal.
I do appreciate your objective and respectful approach.
wh wh wh WHAT?
Thu, 01/22/2009 - 23:20 — g88ky07YOU are out of your gourd! The board does treat parents as a whole, and most individually, EXACTLY that way! Like CRAP! They have shut doors on us, ignored us at every turn, lied to us, strong armed us and CONTINUE their agenda of diversity at ALL cost! The price children, parents, families and neighborhoods have paid, are paying and will pay from the aftermath of their neutron bomb approach is beyond reprehensible.
Granted the CC's, Mayors, Tim Minton and his sacred builders have much blame to be laid at their greedy feet, but laying the blame at their feet will change nothing for us. Those directly involved in the agendas and decisions to reassign kids and families every 20 minutes, to convert schools unnecessarily and to continue blowing millions out the tail pipes of the yellow diversity transports each year are the ones WE want stopped! It's like watching Jim Jones and his followers with your beloved board and their beloved leader Jim Jr.!
To say schedule and distance from your school has absolutely nothing to do with what is best for your, or anyone else's kids, is just flat hysterical! Are you kidding me!
I call it as I see it and that is exactly my approach UNTIL something changes!!
That’s right it’s not
Thu, 01/22/2009 - 22:47 — vsheehanThat’s right it’s not the BOE’s fault the Mayors and CCs not controlling growth is the issue. No one could do all that needs to be done in such a big school system. SO BREAK IT UP. Let those pesky Mayors deal with the mess they have made.
Oh if growth was the BOE’s main problem then why do they tell Developers “no” when the developer says they will donate the land and build the school at cost if the people in the Development are guaranteed a spot at the school?
"Oh if growth was the
Fri, 01/23/2009 - 07:45 — user1234"Oh if growth was the BOE’s main problem then why do they tell Developers “no” when the developer says they will donate the land and build the school at cost if the people in the Development are guaranteed a spot at the school?"
The land is not the big issue though growing more scarce ..... it is the $70M they need to find to build the school and all the town controlled permits that need to be aquired.
It's like you giving away the $50k lot next to your house for someone to build a $2M home. You are giving them the land, why won't they drop a mansion on it? The land is a small part of the project.
Hold the Mayors accountable. No new permits until there is a school.
Yeah, right
Fri, 01/23/2009 - 08:06 — SideburnsGreat idea. And I'm sure the School Board will just willingly place the new school wherever the Mayors tell them to.
"And I'm sure the School
Fri, 01/23/2009 - 10:04 — user1234"And I'm sure the School Board will just willingly place the new school wherever the Mayors tell them to. "
no ... place the children at the next open seat .... not where the Mayors want them ... them messed up ... they should lose the opportunity to make decision until the show they can ....
Blame the Mayors for this mess
Thu, 01/22/2009 - 20:16 — user1234fiestamom
“One of your main complaints about the regulars on this board is that they're never happy with the school board. “
“Before I moved here, I could have cared less about my local school board.”
Same here … they were like the Soil Conservation official I vote for … I just hope they were doing the right thing but I won’t know what that was …
“I truly believe it's because the school boards in the two other cities, were primarily focused on *education*”
Yes as it should be here … the problem here was unmanaged growth … the BOE has a $2B budget half of which goes to education and half to building … at $1B in building and renovation, WCPSS must be one of the biggest developers in the county.
“The reason the frustration comes out on this board is because of the adversarial way the board treats parents, and they treat every kid as a number to be put into a reassignment jumble every 3 years. “
I think they are “shell shocked” the growth has been exponential with so many problems and decisions that most board make over decades not years.
I put the blame on the mayors.
They allowed uncontrolled growth all over the county without planning for schools. I think they are in developers’ back pocket. The mayors would never allow all this development without adequate sewers but are happy to approve building permits without adequate schools. Developers take months to slap up a development but it takes years to slap up a school. Now the Mayor can sit back looking all innocent that they can not help with schools and they are advocates for the people by showing up at public meetings and all along they caused this problem in the first place. If you don’t believe me, stop all building permits tomorrow for five year years so another kid can not enter this county without an assigned seat and you will find the BOE without much to do.
So, living in a place which magazines keep rating as one of the best places in theUS
Gee were you not the person
Thu, 01/22/2009 - 22:52 — vsheehanGee were you not the person complaining about Cary Town laws about Developers having to pay to have roads widen if the development that is being put in goes over the allotted amount of traffic? You said those laws were just an excuse to stop apartments from being built. Don’t you remember what you say?
I am not familar with roads
Thu, 01/22/2009 - 23:39 — user1234I am not familar with roads and widening ... must be someone else .. I did say that they tend to conveniently locate low cost housing (trailer parks, section8, 3 BD Apt) way from wealthy sections saying increased traffic is the reason. Large lot homes and apartments for singles / retirees are ok with them.
what a gem
Fri, 01/23/2009 - 10:25 — Dadof3Convenient, as in allowing a developers' and residents' budget to work?
How do developers buy expensive property (as property will be near higher income areas) and then expect low-income residents afford it? I'm not advocating ghettos, but I am acknowledging there's more to this than "those darn evil developers." (No, I don't develop, nor know any. I do know quite a few people employed by home builders, however, a market niche developers enable.)
State funding, no doubt, as if our state isn't big or poorly-working enough.
I agree with you … while
Fri, 01/23/2009 - 11:31 — user1234I agree with you … while low income folks can not buy expensive land, government can give incentives. Governments typically like to locate all the low income house centrally because it is convenient to service them with government services and it makes it easier on public transpiration planning … ultimately, governments unintentionally centralize low cost housing …. Towns can encourage mixed income housing like they encourage mixed use (business and residential) if they choose to. Personally, I would like to see mixed income housing encouraged where appropriate …
Whether or not you are a plant from the wcpss...
Thu, 01/22/2009 - 13:32 — midtownmomdon't thank them so quickly. This sounds good on the surface but only pertains if a sibling has been granted a transfer. As of right now, they are offering more transfers because of the court ruling, but be assured, transfers will be few and far between if the board finds out they don't have to give calendar choice.
I am a centerist on this board and IMHO you really don't come across as genuine. A statement like that above reeks of insincerity.
...
Thu, 01/22/2009 - 13:16 — SideburnsCouldn't you just have leaned over and thanked them. How's lunch, by the way?
It would have been missed because...
Thu, 01/22/2009 - 13:27 — Dadof3<snort>
Possible reasons for saying so here instead:
My apologies if I offended anyone.
Fri, 01/23/2009 - 05:33 — Dadof3Unfunny hyperbole. Sorry for any offense.
Or...
Thu, 01/22/2009 - 13:37 — SideburnsMaybe her leash doesn't reach that far across the room?
Going a little over the
Thu, 01/22/2009 - 22:54 — vsheehanGoing a little over the edge guys? you will regrett saying those things later. You might want to step away from the key board
Wow...
Thu, 01/22/2009 - 16:27 — supportwcpssPlants?? Leashes?? Bending over??? And you really expect to be listened to and taken seriously.
They made changes based on parent's comments. Positive changes that people have asked for both in the reassignment and the grandfathering. However, unless they completely drop the diversity policy, send your kid to the closest school, and do 15 more things you want, you will continue to bitch amd moan.
I e-mailed the Board directly telling them I do not agree with the methods used in applying the current diversity policy and had a very pleasant conversation with a Board member in which we agreed to disagree.
Just like you play the pity card, you continue to ridicule anyone who might support anything the BOE implements. A really sad state of affairs.
g88 - I believe it is time for some your drivel that no one comments on.
"bitch amd moan"
Thu, 01/22/2009 - 16:37 — g88ky07and why shouldn't we?
I like my drivel, if you don't that's ok, feelings mutual Patti Jr.!
People like you can't handle TRUE REALITY based "drivel" and the good news,
I AIN'T GOIN' AWAY UNTIL THERE'S NOTHING LEFT TO BITCH AND MOAN ABOUT!
;c )
Sorry
Thu, 01/22/2009 - 14:09 — SideburnsMy apologies. Mr. Hui. Us morons will keep it civil. :>)
She's not a school employee
Thu, 01/22/2009 - 14:01 — KeungHui (author)She's not a school employee or board member, just a parent. So please try to be nice.
A Parent?
Thu, 01/22/2009 - 16:38 — g88ky07Maybe a parent "plant" to try and soften blogging blows towards her beloved board!
NO ONE gets any mercy in this fight, NO ONE!
off this subject, but timely
Thu, 01/22/2009 - 11:51 — louiselee44This is off the subject, but since so much has been said about the "School Calendar Law" of 2004, I wanted to make a few comments. I just posted a more inclusive comment under the "Wake announces make-up days for today" heading below.
First of all, the law does not mandate a June 10th closing date for traditional schools. While I agree that there is not a lot of leeway in scheduling make-up days, there are options.
I have served on more than one calendar committee for Wake County, and for those who don't know, the school board has the final say-so on the calendars for our system. It's all about priorities. I don't want a shorter spring break any more than others do, and I'd personally rather go half a day on a Saturday.
The last day of school could have been scheduled for June 9th, with an unprotected teacher workday, or vacation day, or whatever scheduled for June 10th as a possible make-up day. You'll find all different plans in systems across our state - all under the same restrictions of the law, but with the school boards' freedom to choose priorities.
So even though the law greatly limits options, it doesn't deserve the sole "blame" for Wake County students having to go to school on the first day of Spring Break. That was a WCPSS school board decision.
And by the way, those few who do know the true story behind the "School Calendar Law" also know that without it, a "traditional" school calendar would in all likelihood not exist today in Wake County.
I won't have much time to go back and forth on this, but wanted to take a few minutes to get this posted...
Not the only one...
Thu, 01/22/2009 - 13:19 — supportwcpssWho knows the 'real story' or might I say we all different interpretations of that story. I will only post once because I don't believe in hijacking topics. You fully admit that there are very limited choices based on this law. Yes, the system has to set priorities and make tough decisions. Isn't it quite nice that you don't have to make those decisions, and instead can sit on here and pontificate about it.
They made a decision, and no matter what that decision is, people here would yell. People yelled about Saturday, people yelled about Spring Break and i'm sure people yelled about President's day. Wouldn't it be easier to just tack on 3 days at the end - oh wait a minute, they can't do that because some law made sure they couldn't.
Thanks for confirming all my orginial comments on the issue.
i say those are perfect
Thu, 01/22/2009 - 18:47 — vsheehani say those are perfect protest days. Thanks BOE you finally gave people something they could use.
By the way SUPPORTWCPSS what do you think about the Wake Mayors Association drawing up a statement that WCPSS is BROKEN. Does that mean we are right or the Mayors are also a bunch of whiners
Thanks Louise
Thu, 01/22/2009 - 12:17 — SideburnsLouise,
Those who do know the "true story" commend you for all that you have done - me included. Thank you!
Whats the point here? Two
Thu, 01/22/2009 - 10:33 — rr77rr99Whats the point here? Two kids can stay in a school, but not the third who has not started yet? Still not accomodating to families, just "toying" with them yet again.
Whatever.