Heather Losurdo praising Anne McLaurin and Carolyn Morrison

Wake County school board candidate Heather Losurdo is praising Democratic school board members Carolyn Morrison and Anne McLaurin for joining with the Republicans to pass the new student assignment plan.

In a press release today, Losurdo says "their courageous action represents a commitment to public service of the highest order." She says she regrets that McLaurin and Morrison are leaving and adds that they need more leaders like them "who follow their conscience and work for the public good instead of making everything a partisan matter."

"The new assignment policy is our chance to put the bickering and squabbling of the past four or five years behind us, and get to work on improving our schools," Losurdo says in the press release. "I salute Carolyn and Anne for helping make the process of moving from confrontation to cooperation easier."

Nowhere in the press release does Losurdo mention that Kevin Hill voted against the plan. But you'll likely see that becoming a campaign issue in the runoff.

Here's Losurdo's press release:

LOSURDO PRAISES DEMOCRATS MORRISON, MCLAURIN FOR VOTE ON ASSIGNMENT POLICY

District 3 School Board candidate Heather Losurdo today praised retiring School Board members Carolyn Morrison and Anne McLaurin for voting in favor of the new assignment policy approved by the Board last night.

Morrison and McLaurin, both Democrats, joined the five Republicans on the Board in approving the measure, which was developed by Superintendent Tony Tata.

“Their courageous action represents a commitment to public service of the highest order,” Losurdo, a Republican, said. “Our community and our nation need more leaders who follow their conscience and work for the public good instead of making everything a partisan matter.

“The new assignment policy is our chance to put the bickering and squabbling of the past four or five years behind us, and get to work on improving our schools. I salute Carolyn and Anne for helping make the process of moving from confrontation to cooperation easier.

“They are leaving the Board this year, which I regret, but their vote last night is a worthy and appropriate valedictory to their years of service. If I am elected in the runoff, I will work hard to emulate their example, both in supporting the new plan, and pursuing harmony in the workings of the Board.”