newsobserver.com blogs -- wakeed

Investigating Clay Aiken's voter registration status

KeungHui — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500

While it may not be likely, Clay Aiken could actually be prosecuted over voting in last month's school board election.

As noted in today's aricle by Josh Shaffer, the Wake County Board of Elections will hold a hearing on Wake GOP Chairman Claude Pope's challenge of Aiken's voter registration status. Although Pope's press release says they're not seeking punitive action against Aiken, that might not matter.

The Wake Board of Elections will first decide whether Aiken should still be registered to vote in the county. They'll ask Aiken questions such as where his pets spend the night and where he goes to sleep at night.

At issue is whether Aiken, who has a home in Chatham County, can legally vote in Wake. State Board of Elections records show he voted last month using his mother's North Raleigh address.

The still-to-be-scheduled hearing will likely turn into a zoo with all the media present.

The county Board can also choose to refer the matter to the state Board of Elections for an investigation. The state Board can then decide whether to refer it to the District Attorney for prosecution.

Wake Board of Elections Director Cherie Poucher said she had been bracing for a challenge since last week's story about Aiken's comments on the school board election.

Poucher said she was contacted by both Pope and Dallas Woodhouse, director of the state chapter of the conservative Americans for Prosperity, about how to challenge a person's voter status.

It was Pope who came in Friday afternoon to file the official complaint.

No Mrs. Goldman-Claus at the parade

KeungHui — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:17:26 -0500

As of this day can't get odder, new school board member Debra Goldman has been told she can't dress up as Mrs. Claus for tomorrow's Raleigh Christmas Parade.

John Odom, executive director of the the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association, gave the bad news to Goldman today. He told her that it's against their policy for any person other than the official Santa to wear the red Santa suit at the parade.

Odom said it's confusing for children at the parade to see two people dressed in Santa suits. But Goldman questions how a child can't tell the difference between the bearded Santa and the wig-wearing Mrs. Claus.

Odom said the decision had nothing to do with Goldman being on the school board. He said they would have stopped her last year if they had known ahead of time she was coming as Mrs. Claus.

Odom was elected to the Raleigh City Council on Oct. 6, the same night that Goldman won her school board seat.

Goldman said she still plans to be at the parade, sans the red suit.

UPDATE

Click here for today's story. In case you don't already know, I added that Odom was recently elected to the Raleigh City Council.

Wake GOP challenging Clay Aiken's voter registration status

KeungHui — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:07:20 -0500

For those who wondered why we wrote about Clay Aiken's riff on the school board elections, you'll love this news.

The Wake County Republican Party sent a press release this evening saying that GOP Chairman Claude Pope plans is challenging Aiken's right to remain registered to vote in the county.

Aiken has a home in Chatham County but is registered to vote at his mother's home in North Raleigh. Voter registration records show he voted in last month's school board elections.

Here's the GOP press release:

Wake GOP Chairman Files Election Law Challenge against Clay Aiken

Claude E. Pope, Jr, Chairman of the Wake County Republican Party, today filed a Notice of Challenge with the Wake County Board of Elections, challenging the right of Clayton H. Aiken to remain registered to vote in Wake County.

“It has come to light that Mr. Aiken may have voted improperly in Wake County in 2009,” Pope said. “All citizens and all political parties have an interest in rooting out instances of voter fraud, and for that reason I have filed this challenge in order to prevent Mr. Aiken from any future attempts to vote in a place where he is not legally a resident.”

Aiken’s voting status came to public attention after he issued statements on his blog in which he called newly-elected members of the Wake School Board “selfish idiots,” but Pope said his action was not based on those comments. “This is America, and Clay Aiken and all other citizens have a First Amendment right to free speech. However unfair and repugnant it may be, he has a right to call any elected official names if he so wishes,” Pope said.

“Most North Carolinians, regardless of political affiliation, were proud of Aiken when he displayed his talent on ‘American Idol.’ I for one thought he represented our state very well, and I know I speak for many, many members of our party in saying so.

The action I am taking today is not a criticism of his artistic ability, political views or intemperate language. It is simply an effort to make sure that in the future he votes where he actually lives, as all citizens are required to do.” Pope also stated that his Notice of Challenge does not request any punitive action against Aiken for having voted in Wake County in 2009. “We are only interested in correcting the rolls for the future,” he said.

Aiken, the popular recording artist and “American Idol” runner-up, remains on the voting rolls at his mother’s address, 8608 Langtree Lane, which is located in Precinct 08-05 in Raleigh. Records show he voted in that precinct in person in the municipal election of October 6, 2009. But Aiken lives in a $2.3 million home in Chatham County, which he purchased through a trust in 2006, and not with his mother, Faye Parker, who was quoted in the News & Observer as saying “her son doesn't live with her although she still gets some of his mail.”

According to a document entitled “Residency for Election Purposes,” a summary of the law issued in September of this year by the State Board of Elections, “If a person removes to another state or county, municipality, precinct, ward, or other election district within this State, with the intention of remaining there an indefinite time and making that state, county, municipality, precinct, ward, or other election district that person's place of residence, that person shall be considered to have lost that person's place of residence in this State, county, municipality, precinct, ward, or other election district from which that person has removed…” --GS § 163-57 (5).

Mrs. Debra Goldman-Claus

KeungHui — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:59:32 -0500

Mrs. Claus may be familiar if you look hard enough at tomorrow's Raleigh Christmas Parade.

Newly elected school board member Debra Goldman will reprise her role of Mrs. Claus from last year's parade. You can find her tomorrow, either in person or on TV, escorting Wake Sheriff Donnie Harrison in an effort to promote his Citizen Well-Check program.

Here's the press release Goldman sent this morning:

Wake County School Board Member-elect Debra Goldman will once again play her role in the Raleigh Parade on Saturday, Nov. 21. Mrs. Goldman will be in the parade, dressed in full Mrs. Claus costume. She will escort Sheriff Donnie Harrison in an effort to promote his Citizen Well-check program. You may not recognize her with the gray wig and long, red, "fur" trimmed dress, but Debra has played this role before (viewable in last year's parade footage). Please join Mrs. Goldman in bringing in the holiday season with some of the senior citizens from the program, and Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison in Saturday's parade.

Trying to avoid further classroom cuts

KeungHui — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500

Could classroom crowding and course offerings get worse in Wake next year?

As noted in today's article, that's something that Wake Supt. Del Burns is hoping to avoid with the $20 million in Central Services cuts that he wans to make for next fiscal year. But he's not ruling out the possibility that more classroom cuts could be needed for next school year.

"We're trying to preserve the services we now have," Burns said.

Here's the situation:

Because of the state's $3.2 billion revenue shortfall, Wake made cuts this year that resulted in fewer teachers and teacher assistants on the booka. This led to larger class sizes and fewer courses being offered.

Burns said the goal right now is to not make the situation any worse for next year. He said they're just not in a position to reverse this year's cuts.

If things work out, Burns hopes the $20 million in new Central Services cuts will be all that's needed. But if state and local tax revenues continue to sag, Burns said it might not be possible to avoid further classroom cuts.

More cuts could lead to even larger class sizes and even fewer offerings in 2010-11.

Burns calls for $20 million in budget cuts

KeungHui — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:54:20 -0500

Wake Supt. Del Burns announced plans today to cut $20 million from the Central Services budget for the upcoming fiscal year

The cuts still have to be identified but would come from areas not based at schools. He's hoping these cuts will reduce the amount that could be cut from school spending.

Burns said he called for the cuts now because Wake is facing $17 million in both additional costs and cuts in funding for next year that have to be addressed.

Click here for the district's press release.

UPDATE

Click here for the online story.

Comparing the F&R rates in Wake and Charlotte

KeungHui — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:03:12 -0500

The school poverty gap between Wake and Charlotte now stands at 20 percent.

As noted in today's Charlotte Observer, Charlotte-Mecklenburg's percentage of students receiving federally subsidized lunches this school year is at an all-time high of 51 percent. In Wake, the percentage of 31.2 percent is also an all-time high.

Supporters of Wake's diversity policy warn that abandoning it could hasten white flight and produce Charlotte-like poverty numbers at more schools. But critics of the diversity policy note how Charlotte is outperforming Wake among low-income students on state tests.

In Charlotte, 19 of the 171 schools now have poverty levels over 90 percent, and 61 of them top 75 percent.

Only two of Wake's 156 schools top 75 percent low-income.

Wake's poverty rate jumped from 28.4 percent last school year. The recession has caused more families to apply for subsidized lunches.

Critics have questioned whether some families are falsely reporting their incomes so their children can get subsidized lunches.

Click here for this year's districtwide and school-by-school F&R totals. Click here for last year's information.

Regretting the Forest Ridge High vote

KeungHui — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500

Some buyer's remorse may be setting in over the Forest Ridge High site.

As noted in today's article, County Commissioner Joe Bryan called the process involving the acquisition of Forest Ridge High an "embarrassment." Bryan and Lindy Brown had both initially voted against buying the property before flipping the votes.

At issue is the $7.5 million price tag for offsite improvements for the parcel. That's higher than the $1.6 million budgeted for the work.

School and county staff tried to downplay how unexpected the $7.5 million tag was on the project.

Deputy County Manager Johnna Rogers said that the known figure for the offsite improvements was $4.2 million when the commissioners voted to buy the site in October 2008.

But Bryan and County Commissioner Tony Gurley said that while the $4.2 million might have been a known amount to school and county staff, it was never mentioned to commissioners.

Bryan said he had flipped his vote to buy the land based on the belief that the offsite improvements would be at the budgeted amount. He said they should have been told that $1.6 million wasn't the expected amount.

Bryan also responded to complaints from outgoing school board member Horace Tart that municipalities were only interested in growing and not in helping the school system. Tart also complained about the state making the school district pay for road work.

“We need to do our due diligence and stop shifting blame to someone else," Bryan said. "We’re no different from any other developer.”

Click here for the handout from the joint meeting. It includes background on the site and how the four alternate sites were found.

Preparing for grim budget news

KeungHui — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:26:47 -0500

It looks we've got some ominous budget news coming Thursday from Superintendent Del Burns.

The school district sent out a press release this afternoon that Burns will hold a media briefing on Thursday to make an "announcement" on the 2010-11 fiscal year budget. The press release doesn't give details but it's not likely going to be good news.

State revenue collections are down, fueling fears that cuts will be ordered.

Kevin Hill, chairman of the school board, said the briefing was arranged by staff and not the board. While he didn't know what Burns will say, he expects him to announce what preparations are being made for the next fiscal year.

Recapping the joint meeting

KeungHui — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:15:11 -0500

I'll go into more detail later, but here's a quick recap of today's joint meeting.

The working group of county, school, Rolesville, Raleigh and DOT staff have identified four alternative sites to Forest Ridge High. They are:

• A property near Ligon Mill and Taylors Ridge roads in Raleigh
• A parcel near Louisbury and Mitchell Mill roads in Raeigh
• A property suggested by Rolesville Mayor Frank Eagles on Lousbury Road near U.S. 401 in Rolesville.
* A property on Catlett Farm and Rolesville roads in Rolesville

They'll report back in a month with cost comparisons of the sites to Forest Ridge High.

In the meantime, money is still being spent on Forest Ridge High despite the request of the new board majority. New board members John Tedesco, Debra Goldman and Chris Malone attended the joint meeting.

Both boards also discussed the enrollment projections and the capacity report.

Outgoing board members repeatedly touted how opening new schools on year-round and the conversions have given Wake the capacity it needs to deal with the lack of money for new school construction.

Jointly discussing the Forest Ridge High site

KeungHui — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500

Today's joint meeting of the school board and county commissioners could get really interesting.

It's the last chance for the commissioners to officially meet with the outgoing school board members, whose terms expire at the end of the month. But the new school board members have also been invited to the joint meeting.

One of today's topics will be the Forest Ridge High School site. Both boards are expected to hear a report from a working group of county and school staff that have looked at alternative locations.

They're also expected to discuss the 2009-10 Facilities Utilization Report that was adopted by the school board on Tuesday.

The joint meeting is open to the public. It begins at 9 a.m. in the very cramped school board conference room at 3600 Wake Forest Road in Raleigh.

Class-size waivers in state hands

KeungHui — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500

The class-size waivers are now in the hands of the state Board of Education.

As noted in today's article, the school board voted Tuesday to request waivers for 329 K-3 classes at 66 elementary schools. School administrators are blaming the need for the waivers on the state budget problems.

"We’re not at a position we want to be in," Supt. Del Burns told board members. "We wish classes weren’t at this size. We’re still dealing with the impact of the economy.”

Because of the what turned out to be a $3.2 billion revenue shortfall, Burns told principals to only fill 95 percent of positions this year. That's why 1,496 employees weren't automatically rehired when their contracts expired June 30.

Administrators didn't have the updated totals Tuesday on how many of the terminating-contract employees were rehired. It had been over 900 before the school year started.

The state Board gave the state Department of Public Instruction the authority last year to handle requests for waivers.

Chief Area Supt. Danny Barnes told school board members on Tuesday that the district didn't receive a response last school year on any of the requests for waivers.

Philip Price, chief finance officer at DPI, said Tuesday all of Wake's requests were approved last year. He said that DPI leadership had hoped to meet with the leadership of the school system about handling new requests. He said the meeting hadn't been scheduled yet.

DPI could give Wake more money to hire teachers to lower class size. That's not likely based on the state of the economy.

DPi could approve the waivers.

DPI could reject the waivers, forcing Wake to spend more of its money. One thing that might impact the issue is how Gov. Perdue and state board chairman Bill Harrison have questioned whether Wake should have used more of the stimulus money to retain teachers to keep class sizes down.

New principals named for six schools

KeungHui — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:40:48 -0500

The four new schools opening next year now have principals and two other schools are getting new leaders.

The school board announced tonight that Mark Savage will become the principal of the new Heritage High in Wake Forest. Savage has been principal of Wakefield HIgh since 2006.

Savage will receive a salary of $100,720.

Robert Smith will become the principal of the new Mills Park Middle in Cary. He's been principal of Durant Road Middle since 2005.

Smith will receive a salary of $100,315.28.

Fran Venezia will become the principal of the new Alston Ridge Elementary in Cary. She has been principal of Farmington Woods Elementary since 1996.

Venezia will receive a salary of $112,459.36.

Kenneth Prouix will become principal of the new Holly Grove Middle School in Holly Springs. He had been principal of Holly Ridge Middle School before taking a job in central office last year as senior director of organizational development and support.

Prouix will receive a salary of $94,815.60.

Nancy Allen is returning to the school district to become principal of East Wake Middle School. She replaces the retiring Brad Shackelford.

Allen used to be a teacher and assistant principal at East Wake Middle before leaving last year to become a curriculum specialist at Carteret County Schools. She will receive a salary of $99,681.92.

Lisa Spalding will become principal of Turner Creek Elementary in Cary, replacing the retiring Jan Hargrove. Spalding has been principal of Green Hope Elementary since 2005.

Spalding's salary is $92,991.60.

Click here for the bio sheets.

CORRECTION

Corrected to say that Nancy Allen currently works for Carteret County schools.

Updated to include bio sheets.

Praise and awards for outgoing board members

KeungHui — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:44:50 -0500

The outgoing school board members left without throwing any real verbal bombs today as they were showered with awards and praise.

The outgoing board members spent much of their final comments thanking their families and school administrators. They also stood behind the decisions they made.

"Parents haven’t really liked what was done," said school board vice chairman Horace Tart. "But we always did what we did with the children in mind. That was the big picture."

With the spectre of new board members cleaning out the staff, the old board members repeatedly praised staff for their service during their comments today.

School board member Lori Millberg praised Supt. Del Burns and his "incredible leadership team." She said it's "unfortunate" that the public doesn't know that Wake has a team of "education superstars" who are known and respected statewide and nationally. She said they're often recruited by other districts.

Millberg apologized to the staff if she at times has “been a bit outspoken” speaking passionately for the children.

Similar praise for staff was echoed by the other board members.

In his remarks, Tart said he's leaving feellng that the "schools in my district have really been improved by the work of this board."

In perhaps a message to the new board, school board member Patti Head talked about how she thought she was prepared when she joined in 2001 after having spent many years of community and PTA work. She said she learned things aren't so simple.

"There’s no silver bullet or easy fix to complex problems and challenges," Head said. "Every decision that’s made affects good folks.”

Drawing an analogy to how Brownies are supposed to leave the campsite better than they found it, Heads said she felt she was leaving the school system in "great shape."

School board member Eleanor Goettee said she's carried out her promise to District 9 voters of being responsive and visible. She said she feels satisfied with what she's done after having spent "every last minute" of the past four years trying to improve teacher quality.

The board comments came after a round of awards.

Diana Bader presented the four board members the state PTA's highest award, the Distinguished Service Award. She said it was in recognition of their “unselfish contributions” to the children of North Carolina.

Saying she was speaking for herself, Bader also praised the outgoing board members for their support of student assignment policy 6200. She specifically singled out their support of magnet schools, socioeconomic diversity and mandatory year-round schools.

Bader praised Wake for being one of the few districts in the nation to stand up against resegregation.

"You have stood tall as a model for this great nation," Bader said.

Jennifer Lanane, president of Wake NCAE, presented the four board members with the Friend of Education Award, their group's highest honor.

Among other things, Lanane said the board members had helped calm the fears of staff during the year-round calendar conversions three years ago.

School board chairman Kevin Hill presented the board members with plaques thanking them for their service. The plaque noted their support for the graduation goal, the curriculum management audit and professional learning teams. While not spelled out, it could be read as praise for their support of this year's Wednesday early dismissals.

“We have one of the best school districts in the nation,” Hill told the board members. “I want to thank you for the role you had in making this happen.”

Supt. Burns had his own praise for the outgoing board members.

“You have served honorably and I value your dedication to children," Burns said.

Sixty-six elementary schools want K-3 class size waivers

KeungHui — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:50:56 -0500

We're getting a look today at how the budget woes are impacting class sizes.

Staff will ask the school board to vote today on approving K-3 class-size waivers for 66 of Wake's 102 elementary schools. It affects 329 classes.

Because of the state revenue shortfall, Wake told principals to only fill 95 percent of their positions this year. School leaders warned that class sizes would go up.

Some critics, including Gov. Perdue's office, have said Wake should have used more of the stimulus money to retain teachers and keep class sizes from increasing.

These 329 waiver requests are likely just the tip of the iceberg.

Class sizes in grades 4-12 are above 30 students in many classes. The difference is that individual Wake schools already have waivers to exceed class sizes in those grades as part of their school improvement plan.

It's the waivers in grades K-3 that Wake needs to ask for on a case-by-case basis. Most of the classes are only one or two students above the limit of 24 kids per class in grades K-3.

But you've got some classes in the high 20s and even low 30s.

Of the 66 elementary schools requesting K-3 waivers, 37 are on a year-round calendar.

Click here for the list of schools needing waivers and how they're addressing the overly large class sizes.

Wake regularly asked for waivers last school year but not quite to this extent.

Final board meeting for departing members

KeungHui — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500

Today marks the end of an era on the school board.

This afternoon will be the final regular board meeting for Eleanor Goettee, Patti Head, Lori Millberg and Horace Tart. You can expect a lot of laudatory statements from groups such as the other board members, administrators and Wake NCAE.

One interesting question is whether the outgoing board majority will make one grand statement before the new board starts Dec. 1. For instance, the four departing board members in 1999 used their last meeting to help pass a largely symbolic resolution calling for teacher pay to be sharply raised over the next five years.

Today's meeting starts at 3 p.m. in the board meeting room, 3600 Wake Forest Road in Raleigh.

Patti Head receives National PTA award

KeungHui — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:30:00 -0500

The outgoing school board members are getting some love as they leave the board this month.

This afternoon, board member Patti Head received a National PTA Life Achievement Award "for her devotion and distinguished service to children and youth." They're supposed to surprise her at this afternoon's District 7 Board Advisory Council meeting.

You can expect similar accolades for her and the other three departing members at tomorrow's school board meeting.

Here's the press release on the award:

School Board Member Patti Head to Receive Life Achievement Award

November 16, 2009

--CARY, NC

On November 16 at 5:30 p.m. in the Green Hope High School Media Center, Wake School Board Member Patti Head will receive the National PTA Life Achievement Award for her devotion and distinguished service to children and youth.

The recognition will be held during Mrs. Head's last District 7 Board Advisory Council (BAC) meeting and is a surprise event that includes her family, District 7 BAC members, and other Wake officials.

"You commitment to passionately advocating for the education and well-being of children deserves acknowledgment. I am pleased to present you with a National PTA Life Achievement Award for your great efforts to improve the lives of America's youth. This is the highest recognition bestowed by PTA, and is given only to those who have demonstrated exemplary service in support of children." Charles Saylors, PTA National President in a letter that Mrs. Head will receive on November 16. In addition to the letter and award, Mrs. Head will also receive a gold label pin.

Mrs. Head who is retiring in December has served 8 years (2001-2009) on the Wake County School Board, two of them as chair (2005-7). During her time as chair, Mrs. Head led the Board successfully through a $1 Billion Bond issue, hired a new superintendent, and transferred 10,000 students in one year due to dramatic growth and unprecedented new school construction.

Prior to Mrs. Head's time on the Wake School Board, she was very active in the PTSA at Broughton High School (BHS). Her volunteer efforts included serving as BHS PTSA President, Founder of BHS Class Parent Partners, BHS Choral Music Booster Board, BHS Guidance Support Committee, Chair BHS Advisory Committee.

Mrs. Head's community leadership efforts included serving on the WCPSS Citizen's Advisory Committee, Character Education Community Involvement Committee. She also served on the Wake Education Partnership Board of Directors - 7 years of service included chair of the following committees: Teacher Grants, Standards and Accountability.

Contributors to the award:

Brier Creek Elementary PTA
Carpenter Elementary PTA
Cedar Fork Elementary PTA
Green Hope Elementary School
Green Hope High PTSA
Green Hope High School
Hilburn Drive Elementary School
Lead Mine Elementary PTA
Leesville Road Elementary School
Leesville Road High PTSA
Leesville Road Middle PTSA
Leesville Road Middle School
Morrisville Elementary School
Stough Elementary PTA
Sycamore Creek Elementary PTA
York Elementary School

Allan, David, Darryl and Jayme
Christine Allison
Kathryn Chontos
Jill Gurak
Ann Hooker
Paula Lipford
Suzy Nisbet
Julie Stevens
Liza Weidle

Patti's campaign pledge statement - "Children are our most precious assets - they are our future. All children must receive the highest quality education possible. I am committed to bringing diverse groups together to solve complex issues in our school system. Our challenge is to build a coalition between parents, educators, business and community leaders to that WCPSS meets the needs of our children. I will work hard for our Children!"

Continuing the push for at-large board elections

KeungHui — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:00:00 -0500

Could at-large school board elections now make it on the school board's legislative agenda?

In an online article published Friday in the Carolina Journal, school board member Ron Margiotta said "without a doubt" he still wants at-large elections added to the legislative agenda.

It's the right time of the year for the issue. The board historically adopts the legislative agenda in December, just in time for the new board majority.

It was critics of the outgoing board who had led the push for at-large elections. But as you've probably seen in several blog comments since then, it's been supporters of the old board who've been complaining about not being able to vote in the fall elections.

Putting it on the board's legislative agenda is only part of the battle. It would still require the General Assembly to approve the change.

Looking ahead to the 2011 elections, would at-large elections make it easier for supporters of the diversity policy to try to win the seat now held by Margiotta> Or would at-large elections make it easier for critics to take the seats held by Kevin Hill, Anne McLaurin, Carolyn Morrison and Keith Sutton/

Spreading the magnet crumbs around

KeungHui — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500

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.

Some parents have argued over the years that they live too far away to easily reach the magnet schools. They say they shouldn't be penalized by not getting the things magnet schools offer.

That's the kind of argument that initially led in 1982 to the creation of "equity" magnet schools in outlying parts of the county. These were all base schools with no application students.

But over time Wake either eliminated the equity magnets, such as at Apex and Wake Forest elementary schools, or made them application magnets, such as at Wendell and Zebulon elementary schools.

But school board member Keith Sutton brings up the concern frequently voiced by those who are against allowing non-magnets to get more of the specialized courses.

"The magnet program was created to put specific programs in these schools," Sutton said of the schools in his Southeast Raleigh district. "If they put the same magnet program out in Cary or Apex, there's no incentive to come here."

Similar concerns were raised right after the election by the NAACP, the Coalition of Concerned Citizens for African American Children and the Wake Voter Coalition.

Meanwhile, magnet parents and students are mobilizing now to minimize any changes to the program. They fear the new board will either take away their specialized programs or water down what they now have.

Dhruv Jain, 14, an Enloe High freshman, has more than 800 members on a Facebook page he created to "keep Enloe as a magnet" and to "keep busing and diversity."

According to Jain's Facebook page, Enloe's Black Student Union Group and Peace Club "will be meeting [today] to start discussing which board meeting to attend, write letters, and start petitions. We will also prepare for debate and learn more about the issue."

Jain is encouraging students to attend the first meeting of the new school board on Dec. 1 wearing something that instantly identifies themselves as Enloe students.

Debra Goldman launches new blog

KeungHui — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:48:39 -0500

Newly elected school board member Debra Goldman announced tonight that she's starting a blog in order to keep in touch with the community.

Here's her press release:

For Immediate Release:

Wake County School Board Member-elect Debra Goldman launches blog

In an effort to further communicate with citizens and to keep parents and tax payers better informed, Wake County School Board Member-elect Debra Goldman has begun her blog, Debra's Chalk Board at www.debragoldman.blogspot.com. She would once again like to thank the voters for their trust and support. She encourages the citizens of Wake County to check her blog often for updates, and to contact her at electdebragoldman@yahoo.com with any questions, as her WCPSS email address will not be active until Dec. 2, 2009.

New board members undergoing orientation

KeungHui — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0500

The newly elected school board members are getting their orientation lessons today.

Today's meeting with staff and some board members is designed to help the former candidates learn how to be new board members when they take office Dec. 1. Along the way, they'll learn about the do's and don'ts of their new positions.

One of the challenges the new board members will face over the next few months is pressure to back off their campaign positions. While some previous board members have done 180s after taking office, that might be less likely now that the newbies form a majority instead of being in the minority.

Celebrating the election victory

KeungHui — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:00:00 -0500

It looks like he Grand Marquis Ballroom in Garner will be the place to be on Saturday night.

Newly elected school board candidate John Tedesco is organizing a "Victory Ball." He'll be joined at Saturday's celebration by fellow new board members Debra Goldman, Chris Malone and Deborah Prickett.

Before they take office Dec. 1, they'll “celebrate with an evening of dinner, dancing and the cutting of the cake,” according to a flier for the celebration. Tedesco touts that the new board members will be joined by numerous state, county, municipal and regional business leaders.

“Together we will usher in a new era for our children and families,” according to the flier.

Clay Aiken "extremely disappointed" by Wake school board election results

KeungHui — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:49:18 -0500

We may have the Claymates taking on the new Wake school board.

In a blog post on his web site Thursday, Aiken says "he's extremely disappointed" by the election results. The former American Idol contestant and Leesville Road High graduate calls the new school board members “selfish idiots” and says he hopes the public can get rid of them before they “ruin the school system.”

“What happened to Wake County Schools?!?1,” Aiken writes. “Now that i have a kid i am so much more invested and I am EXTREMELY disappointed that so many selfish idiots ran and won seats on the school board. i hope we can get rid of them as soon as possible before they ruin my school system. Idiots.”

Aiken, who has a home in Chatham County, has a 15-month-old son.

The blog post could cause Aiken's loyal fans, the "claymates," to get more involved in school issues.

Aiken also touches on several other topics in his blog post, including former Miss California Carrie Prejean’s appearance on the Larry King show on Wednesday. Aiken makes a derogatory remark about Prejean.

I'd quote the exact words Aiken used to describe Prejean but this is still a family newspaper.

Prejean touched off a firestorm earlier this year when she said she was opposed to same-sex marriage. Aiken publicly acknowledged last year that he is gay.

UPDATE

Click here for the online story.

Click here for Saturday's article, including the response from new board members.

Proposing only one December board meeting

KeungHui — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:00:00 -0500

How innocent is it that school board chairman Kevin Hill is proposing canceling the Dec. 15 board meeting?

Hill has discussed dropping the second December meeting with current and new board members. He says there's not much going on then that there needs to be a meeting so close to the holidays.

Hill also points out that the board doesn't always meet twice in December.

The board canceled the second December meeting in 2006. But the board met twice in December in 2007 and 2008.

One thing to consider is that only having one December meeting could limit how much the new board majority gets done before the holidays. If the Dec. 15 meeting is dropped, the new board would only meet on Dec. 1 before returning Jan. 5.

One of the questions has been how aggressive the new board will be on Dec. 1.

The longer it takes to make changes, the more challenging it will be to get them in place for the 2010-11 school year.

Wake neighborhood schools to help Durham?

KeungHui — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:00:00 -0500

Will the election of a new Wake school board majority that opposes the current diversity policy help Durham?

That's the viewpoint articulated Wednesday on the Bull City Rising blog by Kevin Davis. His take on the election results is that neighborhood schools will make western Wake even wealthier, which in turn will make Research Triangle Park even more relevant.

"Of course, I think Wake's kids will be the real losers in all this," Davis writes. "All of which means I won't take any pleasure in Durham's gains coming at their likely pains."

Davis also writes that scrapping the diversity policy will cause eastern Wake to "deteriorate" as test scores drop and the percentage of low-income students rise. He says people moving into the area will identify eastern Wake as the "bad" part of the county. He says people will move elsewhere, with Johnston County"the likely big winner there."

Davis is a supporter of Wake's diversity policy, which he calls "historic, and largely successful."

Wake NCAE leader apologizes for attacking new school board members

KeungHui — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500

Wake NCAE President Jennifer Lanane is in damage control mode after having sent an e-mail message accusing the new school board members of not caring about children and teachers.

As noted in today's article, Lanane sent an apology letter on Monday to the new board members, who weren't happy about the tone of an earlier message sent to Wake NCAE reps. She says that the first message was a draft that was never meant to be sent, pointing to the multiple grammatical errors.

Lanane is in a difficult spot as she wants to try to get along with the new board majority. The problem is Wake NCAE didn't endorse any of the new members.

Let's start from the beginning of this e-mail exchange.

The initial e-mail message was sent Oct. 27 to urge Wake NCAE reps to lobby the new board members to keep the Wednesday early dismissals. She said she had heard the new board was going to drop "Wake Wednesdays" effective Dec. 2, which she said would mean "throwing teachers and students under the bus so that they can show how powerful they are."

"They don’t care about children and it in now clear that they don’t care about teachers…WE HAVE PLANT OUR FLAG IN THE SAND HERE AND NOW," Lanane wrote in the first message.

The message wasn't meant to go outside the group as it includes the disclaimer that "WakeReps is a list serv for Wake NCAE Association Representatives and other members -- Do not forward to non-members."

But the message got into the hands of new school board member Deborah Prickett, who fired a response back at Lanane. She also forwarded her response to the leadership of the N.C Association of Educators, saying she was concerned about "the damage this [Lanane's message] may have done."

"Various teachers and WCPSS staff members have communicated to me that they have felt suppressed and stifled by the existing Wake NCAE leadership’s slanted focus," Prickett writes. "Freedom of speech has been muffled for some for fear of retaliation."

Here's the Oct. 27 message from Lanane:

From: Jennifer Lanane <wakepresident@bellsouth.net>
Subject: [WakeReps] Urgent
To: wakereps@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 4:50 PM

All,

I have it on good authority that the new school board is going to do away with Wake Wednesdays effective at the Dec. 2. It is going to be their first order of business to show their strength! What it is, is their throwing teachers and students under the bus so that they can show how powerful they are. The newly elected board does not what to talk about it, see how it is working, see how it is improving education, they are not even concerned about the disruption this will cause in the middle of the year. If we allow this to happen, just think what might next. They don’t care about children and it in now clear that they don’t care about teachers…WE HAVE PLANT OUR FLAG IN THE SAND HERE AND NOW. Plan to send emails, call, send letters and show up at the school board meeting on Tuesday, November 2 to speak during public comment. Tell them your story, tell them how hard you work and that Wake Wednesdays need to be given a chance. This is just the beginning guys we need to start fighting NOW
Ron Margiotta needs to hear form us load and clear…everyone needs to email…spread the word
Mr. Ron Margiotta
7800 Secluded Acres Road
Apex , NC 27523
850-8872/office
290-2043/residence, fax
rmargiotta@wcpss. net…
New members…I don’t have all the emails but will get them too you as I get them
John Tedesco 850-9772
Deborah Prickett 293 0235
Debra Goldman 637 9292
Chris Malone 395 4903
They all campaigned on the premises that they will listen, let see if that is true.

Thanks for all you do, Jennie

Here's Prickett's response:

In reference to the recent email sent by Jennifer Lanane, President of the Wake NCAE, to membership (approximately 5,000), I feel it is important to reveal this information to the public and other teachers and staff members that may not be participants in Wake NCAE in order to draw their own conclusions. My newly elected office to the Board of Education representing District 7 is one that I take seriously and respectfully. In addition, my stance has always been and will continue to be supportive of teachers and WCPSS staff members as they are the foundation of our school system. Having been a teacher and counselor with the WCPSS for 22 years, I personally recognize the dedication and commitment that staff members demonstrate in working and interacting with students. Make no mistake in knowing that I absolutely support educators and care about providing excellent educational opportunities for all children.

As you know, the Wake NCAE chose not to endorse me or any of the newly elected Board members as they seemed to be politically motivated using the same, rigid, narrow-minded focus boxing staff members into a politically decorated container. Even though the container was nicely packaged, the contents did not deliver results. The community said different on their ballots. Furthermore, various teachers and WCPSS staff members have communicated to me that they have felt suppressed and stifled by the existing Wake NCAE leadership’s slanted focus. Freedom of speech has been muffled for some for fear of retaliation.

This is a new day for WCPSS. I will be listening, watching, and participating as I go forth in doing the best possible job I can of representing the views of the public as well as WCPSS staff members involving the issues surrounding education. The Wake NCAE can be an important advocate for staff members in building the requested priorities and visions, but a partnership must exist with community associates in lieu of the present leadership fixation with stringent, outside political agendas.

Deborah Prickett
Board of Education Member Elect
District 7

Here's Monday's apology letter from Lanane:

From: Jennifer Lanane <wakepresident@bellsouth.net>
Date: Mon, Nov 9, 2009 at 1:50 PM
Subject: letter to incoming school board members
To: jtedesco@4wakekids.com

Jennifer Lanane
Wake NCAE, President
919.782.8908
3900 Merton Drive
Raleigh, NC 27609
Dear Incoming School Board Members,
Today, I had a conversation with Mr. Tedesco about the email I sent to Wake NCAE's Association Representatives (AR's) on October 27th. Much to my dismay, the email you received was a first draft that was sent inadvertently (as you can clearly see by the spelling and grammar errors). It was the first of what was intended to be several drafts before being officially sent out to all the ARs. With the barrage of distressing calls I had been receiving that day from upset, angry, and frustrated members, uncertain and disturbed by the changes reported to be on the way, so I quickly reacted. My email was obviously composed in anger but it certainly was not meant to be sent in that form. I apologize. I very quickly sent out a second and then later even a third e-mail to inform the AR's of my mistake, but you likely did not receive those.
This unfortunate episode is a clear example of why it is vitally important that we have regular, on-going conversations. You will find that at times we will be on the same "side" despite the times we will not; however, it would be dangerous to everyone for there to be no communication between an elected school board and the educators it employs - the very backbone and foundation of our entire educational system. If we fail to communicate, no one will win and, sadly, the children of WCPSS will lose.
We believe professional judgment the individuals working most closely with students on a day to day basis should matter greatly. Parents clearly play an equally vital role in their child's educational attainment, but a failure to acknowledge and utilize the knowledge and experience of those who have studied, trained and devoted their lives to teaching seems unthinkable.
I attempted to reach out to each you all numerous times in the last two weeks so that we can begin to establish the kind of relationship that we all know is in the best interest of students. Please contact me so that we can start on the right foot. Anger and frustration grows for the employees as each newspaper article is written and we hope that the voice of the educator is not being lost. As much as I regret the inadvertent distribution of a draft of my communication to our school representatives, it did reflect the views of many of our members. We need to talk for many reasons, but it is important for educators to know who you are and believe that you honestly value the significance of their contributions to Wake County students and our entire society.
I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible and to future conversations focused on doing what is right for children.

Press conference in support of Wednesday early dismissals

KeungHui — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500

Speaking of the weekly Wednesday early dismissals, Wake NCAE is holding a press conference today on how professional learning teams are helping improve student performance.

At the press conference, Wake NCAE "will invite invite parents, community leaders and school board members to celebrate American Education Week by joining educators at local schools during a PLT Wednesday session."

"Educators want to keep this important time to communicate, cooperate, and help ensure that all children's educational needs are met," according to the press release.

It's part of the lobbying effort to save the weekly dismissals, called "Wake Wednesdays" by supporters and "Wacky Wednesdays" by critics.

Supporters argue that dismissing students early to allow teachers to meet Wednesdays in professional learning teams "are an important part of helping Wake County students achieve academic success." Critics question the effectiveness of the PLTs and the scheduling problems it has created for families.

As noted in another post, Wake NCAE President Jennifer Lanane sent an e-mail message to her members urging them to lobby the new school board to keep Wake Wednesdays. She apologized for accusing the new board in that message of not caring about teachers and children.

Today's press conference speakers are Lanane, Wake PTA Council President Sarah Martin and Millbrook High Principal Dana King, who is also president of the school system's principal's division.

Both Lanane and Martin served on the committee that had recommended the Wednesday schedule changes to the school board. Martin was quoted in a Wake PTA Council press release in August that praised the weekly early dismissals.

UPDATE

Corrected information from Wake NCAE press release to say King is president of the school system's principal's division.

Paying cash for grades

KeungHui — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:38:43 -0500

Wayne County school officials have put the brakes on a cash for grades fundraising effort at a Goldsboro middle school.

The school district reacted to today's article by Lynn Bonner, in which she reported that a $20 donation to Rosewood Middle School would have gotten a student 20 test points — 10 extra points on two tests of the student's choosing. That could raise a B to an A, or a failing grade to a D.

Are any individual Wake schools following similar policies?

Today's article included a Raleigh parent who objected this year when her daughter's social studies teacher at Knightdale High School had students bring to school tissues and hand sanitizer. The supplies counted for 25 percent of a "supply check" grade.

Timing of new enrollment projections

KeungHui — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500

Do you think there's any significance in the timing of the release of the new student enrollment projections?

As noted in today's article, the projections weren't released in the normal way. Traditionally, they've been released at a joint meeting of the school board and county commissioners.

Instead, they were released at the school board's facilities committee meeting.

Nicole Kreiser, the county budget and management analyst who helped Asst. Supt. Chuck Dulaney in drafting the projections, cautioned school board members that the figures were only preliminary. She said they hadn't been finalized and shared with county commissioners yet.

But after the committee meeting, Dulaney said he considers the projections to be final. He said they're going to be used by staff to help develop the new school budget.

It's possible that the figures could be shared at next week's joint meeting. But it's uncertain whether the meeting will still be held considering that Narold Webb, chairman of the board of commissioners, is still recovering from last month's stroke.

Last month's joint meeting was cancelled.

One benefit of getting the enrollment projections out now is that they were reviewed by the current school board, whose members cited them to justify their use of mandatory year-round schools.

Although growth has slowed, board members said their past decisions to increase mandatory year-round has created additional capacity that will come in handy now that money is short to build new schools.

The response likely would have been different if the projections had been presented first to the new board.

Quick recap of facilities committee meeting

KeungHui — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:15:40 -0500

Here's a quick rundown of the facilities committee meeting.

Enrollment projections have been scaled back again. For budget purposes, the preliminary figures have Wake at 164,480 students in 2015. For construction planning purposes, the projection is 176,489 students in 2015.

For the 2006 bond issue, enrollment had been projected to reach more than 190,000 students by 2015.

From the facilities utilization report, Wake is at 91.7 percent of campus capacity this year. It's at 89.8 percent in elementary schools, 94.5 percent in middle schools and 92.9 percent in high schools.

School staff and board members said that changing stream now would be a problem because the seven additional new schools that will open by 2013 aren't enough to keep up with this even reduced growth. It's a not too veiled hint to the new board members who say they want neighborhood schools and an end to mandatory year-round schools.

UPDATE

Click here for the latest enrollment projection. I will put the caveat that the county says they're still preiiminary even though Dulaney says they won't change.

For a comparison, click here to see the previous year's long-term projections. Click here for the projections from the 2006 bond issue.

Click here for an abbreviated version of the 2009 facilities utilization report. It includes school-by-school and districtwide data.

Click here for the online article from the committee meeting.

Looking at capacity figures and enrollment projections

KeungHui — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500

School capacity figures and enrollment projections are on the school board's agenda today.

Both issues will come up during the board's facilities committee meeting. They're a big deal because it's likely that they'll become an issue as the new board attempts to implement its policies.

Asst. Supt. Chuck Dulaney will discuss the 2009 facilities utilization report. The report lists the capacities and enrollments of each school.

Dulaney will then discuss the joint enrollment projections developed by school and county staff.

Don't be surprised if opponents of the new board argue that the capacity figures and enrollment projections show Wake can't switch to neighborhood schools.

The committee meeting starts at 9 a.m. in the board conference room, 3600 Wake Forest Road in Raleigh. It's open to the public.

Calling for a better way to discipline Wake students

KeungHui — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:17:05 -0500

The SAS report was also mentioned in an op-ed piece urging Wake to find a better way to discipline students.

In today's op-ed piece, the authors say the new school board needs to address why Wake issues so many long-term suspensions, especially compared to Charlotte. The op-piece says both Enloe and Garner high schools gave more long-term suspensions last year than 107 of the state's 115 school districts.

The authors also question why Wake files charges against many of its students in juvenile court, even though over 80 percent of those charges amount to minor misdemeanors.

"Members of the Board of Education are best-positioned, as policymakers and leaders, to guide progress toward reducing the number of unnecessary suspensions and court referrals in Wake County," according to the op-ed piece.

The authors are Jason Langberg, a staff attorney and Everett fellow at Advocates for Children's Services, a statewide project of Legal Aid of N.C. and Cary Brege, a staff attorney and Equal Justice Works fellow there.

Gurley wants review of SAS report

KeungHui — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:05:54 -0500

It looks like County Commissioner Tony Gurley wants to play being a school board member.

At Gurley's urging, the county commissioners had scheduled a presentation on the SAS report at today's work session. The presentation was delayed when William Sanders from SAS was unable to attend.

At least some of the Democratic commissioners are unhappy that Gurley is pressing them to discuss the SAS report instead of leaving it to the school board. The report is perfect for Gurley, a Republican commissioner and frequent critic of the outgoing school board.

Wacky Wednesdays to be dropped?

KeungHui — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500

Are Wacky Wednesdays on the way out with the new school board majority?

As noted in today's article by Ray Martin, new school board member John Tedesco said it's "highly probable" that the new majority will scrap the weekly Wednesday early dismissals. Tedesco didn't rule out the possibility that the change could happen as soon as this school year instead of waiting until July.

"I can tell you what I've heard and what the others have heard is an overwhelming number of parents who are not happy with this and we'll do our best to represent the parents," Tedesco said in the article. "I could not imagine that this would go on in the next academic year,"

The city of Raleigh plans to bill the school system for the more than $20,000 it cost to print more than 800 new school zone signs. Part of the problem is that even though the bell schedule changes were approved in March, staff from Raleigh, the state Department of Transportation and the school system didn't meet until August to review the changes.

Not everyone thinks eliminating the Wednesday early dismissals is a good idea.

Outgoing school board member Patti Head said the new board shouldn't rush into eliminating the early dismissals. Head said the new board members should first look at all the data and talk with teachers and principals who appreciate the weekly 1-hour professional learning team times.

"There are people who are very happy with it," Head said. "I just keep hearing very positive things from our teachers and principals."

Head said she hasn't heard many complaints from parents about the change.

That same view was echoed by school administrators in today's column by Ruth Sheehan.

Sheehan said administrators seemed to have a hard time believing that the new Wednesday schedules are burdensome to parents. Michael Evans, Wake's chief communications officer, said principals just aren't getting many complaints.

Charlotte outperforming Wake among black, low-income students

KeungHui — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500

Considering how much supporters of the diversity policy made Charlotte-Meckkenburg schools a boogeyman during the school board campaign, the new board members arguably are having the last laugh now.

As noted in today's article, the new 2009 state report cards show that Charlotte's black and low-income students are outperforming their peers in Wake on state EOG and EOC exams.

"We're not saying that Charlotte is the right way, but the fact that they're doing better than us shows how poorly we've been doing," said new school board member John Tedesco in the article.

Tedesco reiterated that he wants to find a new way of educating students that's better than the Charlotte way or the Wake way.

During the campaign, diversity policy supporters frequently warned that the other side would turn Wake into a failing school system like Charlotte.

Remember this television ad? Or this mailer by the Wake Democratic Party? How about this mailer from candidate Rita Rakestraw?

School board member Keith Sutton conceded that Charlotte may be doing a better job of educating its disadvantaged students than Wake.

For instance, Sutton said that some low-income students might be "slipping through the cracks" at non-Title I schools. Wake only uses Title I funding at elementary schools where at least 35 percent of the students receive federally subsidized lunches.

But Sutton said going to neighborhood schools is not the answer to improving the performance of Wake's black and low-income students.

"I don't think the system is broken," Sutton said in the article. "Can it be tweaked? Sure."

The counter response is that Charlotte spends more per student than Wake.

Tedesco said there are creative ways that Wake can do more without necessarily spending additional money. For instance, he said they could retask some high school guidance counselors to work with targeted groups of at-risk students,

Linking school board elections with Maine same-sex marriage referendum

KeungHui — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:11:22 -0500

What do the Wake school board elections, Maine's repeal of the same-sex marriage law and the election of Republican governors in Virginia and New Jersey all have in common?

According to state Rep. Paul Stam, they're a sign "voters are squarely focused on core issues affecting their family and their future more than at any time in recent history." The Apex Republican and House Minority Leader linked all these election happenings in the latest blog post on his web site.

"The clean sweep of four seats for the Wake County Board of Education was a resounding demand for a school system that is responsive to families and fiscally accountable to taxpayers," Stam wrote. "Parents will no longer tolerate school board policies that disrupt children’s lives by arbitrary assignments and mandatory school calendars. They reject policies that fail to ensure students succeed in the name of diversity."

Stam had donated money to newly elected school board members Debra Goldman and John Tedesco.

Old board standing by Forest Ridge site

KeungHui — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500

If the Forest Ridge High fight is any indication, it's going to be a tumultuous transition for the new school board majority.

As noted in today's article, it doesn't look like the current board is too impressed by the new majority's request that they stop spending any money on Forest Ridge. Outgoing board member Patti Head said the new board members don't have all the information that the current board has on Forest Ridge.

"They're duly elected, but they're not sworn in yet," Head said in the article. "We're still the elected officials."

Head said she's only seen new board members Debra Goldman and John Tedesco attend one of the many meetings the current board has had about Forest Ridge. She said she hasn't seen the others at those discussions.

Head said the new board members need to look at all the data first before calling for them to stop spending money on Forest Ridge. She said the new members may change their minds after they get information from all the parties and not just the ones they're now hearing from.

Tedesco said he and the other board members signed the joint letter as a show of support for new board member Chris Malone, a harsh critic of the Forest Ridge site.

"What you're going to see is a team that's committed to parental values and committed to fiscal conservatism in Wake County," Tedesco said.

Tedesco said it would be "arrogant" of the current board to continue spending money on Forest Ridge after getting the request from the new majority.

Malone said he felt the need to send the letter now and not wait until taking office on Dec. 1 because money is being spent right now on Forest Ridge.

"We should stop spending more money on it," Malone said. "Personally, I don't want it built there. I think a judicious review is needed."

Keith Sutton holding "listening and learning tour"

KeungHui — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:26:14 -0500

School board member Keith Sutton is holding a "listening and learning tour."

Sutton, who was appointed to the board in August, said he's doing the tour to provide him "with an opportunity to listen to the issues and concerns of parents and community members, and learn more about ways in which he can effectively represent the constituents of District 4."

Here's the media advisory:

For immediate release

Topic: Wake County School Board District 4 Listening and Learning Tour
Time: 7 pm Wednesday, Nov. 4
Place: Hunter Elementary School

Wake County School Board District 4 Representative Keith Sutton has launched a "Listening and Learning Tour" across his district that covers Southeast and parts of Central Raleigh. Stops on the tour will be at various schools, churches, and other community events within District 4.

Appointed to the Wake County School Board in August, the tour will provide Sutton with an opportunity to continue to introduce himself to constituents and interested stakeholders in the district. More importantly, it will provide Sutton with an opportunity to listen to the issues and concerns of parents and community members, and learn more about ways in which he can effectively represent the constituents of District 4.

Sutton will speak tonight at 7pm at Hunter Elementary School for a Parent's Meeting. Sutton's first stop on the "Listening and Learning Tour" was on October 25 at Compassionate Missionary Baptist Church. Sutton plans to visit each of the 17 schools in District 4. Other scheduled stops on the tour include:

Saturday, November 7, 9 am - St. Matthew AME Church, Raleigh Ministerial Alliance (tentative; call to confirm)
Sunday, November 8, 4 pm - Martin St. Baptist Church, Raleigh/Apex NAACP
Wednesday, November 18, 12pm - Longview School

Land for new northwest Raleigh elementary school

KeungHui — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:46:39 -0500

The recession is helping the school system find land for a new elementary school in northwest Raleigh.

The school board voted Tuesday to pay $2.54 million for 30.834 acres at the intersection of Baileywick and Strickland roads. Wake is buying the site from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which is the receiver for the parcel.

According to a 2008 Triangle Business Journal article, a subdivision had been planned there. But the bank foreclosed on the Raleigh real estate investment firm that owned the land.

This new site replaces the one that Wake walked away from in the watershed at Shooting Club and Creedmoor roads.

The new site is also in the Falls Lake watershed. But school board member Patti Head said that it has access to municipal water and sewer service.

Head said another benefit of this new site is that it will allow Wake to build a small middle school on the Leesville Church Road site.

If county commissioners sign off on the deal, funding to build the school would come from a future bond issue.

New board calls for stopping Forest Ridge High

KeungHui — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:54:00 -0500

The new school board majority is flexing its muscles today.

Just one day after Tuesday's election win by John Tedesco, the new board majority sent a letter today urging Wake to immediately stop work on Forest Ridge High. The letter is signed by Tedesco, Chris Malone, Debra Goldman, Deborah Prickett and Ron Margiotta.

The four new board members don't take office until Dec. 1 so it's up to the current board whether to honor the request. The current board and staff have warned that any delays to Forest Ridge High will push back the opening of the school.

Here's the joint letter:

A letter to the Wake County School Board

And County Staff.

11/04/2009

RE: Forest Ridge High School

I hope this finds everyone doing well and in good spirits. Thankfully, time for campaigning is now over. We are now a month away and a new majority will take its seats on December 1. Whereas I completely agree that we need to go forward in a judicious and thoughtful manner on any policy change I think it incumbent upon us, and in this case I do speak for the coming majority, that we suspend any future or currently planned spending on the H6 site whether direct or indirect. When I was on the Wake Forest Board it came to me that sometimes regardless of what one might believe is a good policy or program, that when the people speak loudly enough it is our job.. that being the board and the staff to amend our goals and to listen and act. Call it servant leadership. Call it politics. Sometimes the intrinsic value proposition of public opinion outweighs other concerns. Whatever it is a healthy respect for the will of the people will always keep you in good stead. So without further delay the future majority is requesting a stop to H6. We look forward to an immediate review of the available options. Thank you…

With Regards,

Chris Malone

SB- Elect District 1

John Tedesco

SB- Elect District 2

Deborah Prickett

SB- Elect District 7

Ron Margiotta

School Board Member District 8

Debra Goldman

SB- Elect District 9

Neighborhood school supporters realize their election dream

KeungHui — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500

Love it or hate it, Tuesday's election win by John Tedesco capped what's arguably the most important school board contest in the 33 years of the merged school system.

As noted in today's article, there's now a majority in place on the school board that backs neighborhood schools. It's something that even a few years ago wasn't something that most people thought would happen.

"We did it," said new school board member Deborah Prickett. "I can hardly believe it myself. The parents just had enough. The public has spoken."

Tedesco took special pride in how Tuesday's runoff total of 8,765 votes cast was more than double the 3,753 votes that were cast in 2005 when Horace Tart won the District 2 seat. Tedesco said the higher turnout showed that he and the new board have a "clear mandate" from the community to make the changes they promised.

Fellow new board members Debra Goldman and Chris Malone stressed that Tedesco's victory ensures they can do what they promised during the campaign.

"This is going to be a fantastic opportunity for the children of Wake County," Goldman said.

While the new board and its supporters are thrilled, keep in mind there's still a lot of people who like the existing policies. They'll fight hard to slow the new board down.

Wake GOP celebrates Tedesco win

KeungHui — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:31:57 -0500

The Wake GOP is reveling in tonight's election results.

In a press release, the Wake County Republican Party points to wins by school board candidate John Tedesco and other GOP endorsed candidates. The GOP had made it their mission this year to elect a new board majority that would back neighborhood schools.

"The voters responded to our call for fiscal conservatism, personal responsibility, government accountability and support for families and neighborhoods,” Wake County GOP Chairman Claude E. Pope, Jr, said in the press release.

Here's the press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wake Republicans Win Big Again in November Voting

Following up on its dramatic victories in the October 6 voting, the Wake County Republican Party claimed more victories throughout the county in today’s races.

The victories included two Republican winners in runoffs from the October round: John Tedesco in the high-profile District 2 School Board race, and Jennifer Robinson, Cary Town Council.

In all, the party endorsed 14 candidates in today’s races, and claimed 10 winners.

In addition to Tedesco and Robinson, the Republican winners were:

Mike Jones, Gene Schulze and Lance Olive, Apex Town Council
Cindy Shelton, Fuquay-Varina Board of Commissioners
Kathy Behringer, Garner Town Council
Dick Sears, Mayor of Holly Springs
Linda Williams, Holly Springs Town Council
Tom Murray, Morrisville Town Council

“We had a great slate of candidates,” Wake County GOP Chairman Claude E. Pope, Jr, said,” and it’s clear the Republican message resonated with the voters in 2009. The voters responded to our call for fiscal conservatism, personal responsibility, government accountability and support for families and neighborhoods,” Pope said.

“As we continue to build the resources and effectiveness of the party operations, I believe we will win more and more, and before long become the majority party in the county,” Pope added.

“Our next target will be to continue the momentum of 2009 in the vital contests of 2010, when our outstanding Republican Senator Richard Burr will be running, and the Republican Party will be fielding a slate of top-notch candidates for Congress and the State Legislature.”

The Wake County Republican Party in North Carolina seeks to recruit, train, support, and elect local candidates to all municipal, school board, county, and legislative seats. The Wake County GOP focuses its mission around the key values of fiscal conservatism, personal responsibility, family and neighborhoods, and government accountability. For further information, visit www.wakegop.org.

Truitt congratulates Tedesco on election win

KeungHui — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:09:05 -0500

Don't be surprised if you see pictures of school board candidate Cathy Truitt shaking hands with new board member John Tedesco.

Truitt unexpectedly crashed Tedesco's post-election gathering at the Heather Hills clubhouse. Tedesco was looking at the results outside the polling place when he unexpectedly got a start from Truitt, who tapped him from behind.

Truitt came by to offer her congratulations before she heads out of town Wednesday on her next educational consulting gig helping the troubled Detroit school system.

Tedesco was also joined at Heather Hills by fellow new board members Debra Goldman and Deborah Prickett. New board member Chris Malone was at home watching his kids but he did give a congratulatory phone call.

Tedesco comfortably leading in runoff

KeungHui — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:43:05 -0500

It appears that any anti-Tedesco effort in District 2 has failed to derail his election.

With nine of the 21 precincts reporting, John Tedesco has 79 percent of the vote. Cathy Truitt has 20 percent. Write-in votes account for 1 percent.

UPDATE

Wth 18 of 21 precincts reporting, Tedesco has 75 percent. Truitt has 24 percent.

With all 21 precincts reporting, Tedesco has 76 percent. Truitt has 23 percent. Tedesco more than doubled his vote total from last month. He got more votes today than were cast for all five candidates last month.

More school construction layoffs

KeungHui — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:19:01 -0500

It's going to be an unhappy holiday season for some school district employees.

The school board voted today to lay off eight people whose jobs are at least partially funded by the construction program. Two other vacant positions are being eliminated.

It's the second round of what's expected to be three waves of cuts to construction program management.

Due to the slowdown in the construction program, the school board had voted in June to lay off eight people and eliminate 14 vacant positions.

The new wave of cuts today means that 32 of the 90 positions that had been in place before June will be gone.

The next round of cuts is expected in early 2010.

Click here for details on today's cuts.

NAACP to keep eye on new school board

KeungHui — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:54:36 -0500

As voters continue to cast their ballots in the District 2 runoff, the state NAACP is sending a message it won't be going away after Election Day.

In a statement sent this afternoon, the Rev. William Barber, the head of the state NAACP, said they don't see the runoff as an "end all." Barber said they'll reviewing the policies of the new school board to see if they lead to resegregation.

"After today’s election, the constitution, the promise of equal protection, will be the tools of interpretation by which we critique the policy of not only the Wake County School Board but every school board in the state," Barber said in the statement. "When and if the policies run counter of the fundamental promises of the constitution, we will be prepared to agitate, legislate, and if needed litigate on behalf of our children."

Barber says that the neighborhood school message promoted by the new board members is "not economically feasible." He said it will lead to a situation where the best schools are only in certain neighborhoods with other areas not benefitting from housing, jobs and business development.

Click here to read the full statement.

Take Wake Schools Back's runoff campaign report

KeungHui — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:12:12 -0500

Compared to the Wake Schools Community Alliance, campaign finance reports show that Take Wake Schools Back wasn't nearly as big a monetary player.

In its runoff election report, Take Wake Schools Back said it had raised $2,083.25 as of Oct. 19. In contrast, the WSCA had raised $36,919.44.

County Commissioner Tony Gurley was Take Wake Schools Back's main donor in the latest report. He gave $1,000.

The PAC gave $375 apiece to candidates Chris Malone, John Tedesco, Deborah Prickett and Debra Goldman.

While Take Wake Schools Back didn't have as much cash as the WSCA, the group regularly sent out press releases. Take Wake Schools Back has strong ties to the Wake County Republican Party.

Potential grounds for a NAACP lawsuit

KeungHui — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500

Can the Leandro case be used to block any attempt to abandon Wake's diversity policy?

As noted in today's article, the state NAACP is citing Leandro and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as possible grounds to stall any changes that would be made by the new school board majority.

"We'll look at the policies that are implemented, then monitor new policies to make sure any changes don't violate the federal or state constitutions," said the Rev. William Barber, head of the state NAACP, in the article.

Leandro is the long-running lawsuit first filed in 1994 by five low-wealth school districts over school funding. It's grown now into a lawsuit over low-performing schools.

In 2004, the state Supreme Court largely upheld Wake Superior Court Judge Howard Manning's ruling that the state is required to provide a "sound basic education" to all public school students.

Whether Leandro could be invoked to argue that neighborhood schools would harm some students is uncertain.

Title VI prohibits discrimination by agencies that receive federal funding. Wake gets about 7 percent of its funding from the federal government.

Chris Hayes, senior legislative analyst for the conservative Civitas Institute, said the NAACP should give the new board a chance before threatening legal action.

"It seems like they are presupposing the worst without even giving it a try," Hayes said in the article.

School board candidate John Tedesco said they'd try to work with groups such as the NAACP to ease their concerns. But if that doesn't work, he said they'd implement policies that would be lawsuit proof.

Truitt explains why she'll serve if elected

KeungHui — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500

School board candidate Cathy Truitt is trying to position herself as being a hero in the minds of opponents of the diversity policy.

As noted in today's article, Truitt said her announcement over the weekend that she'll served if elected was meant to forestall the possibility of the current school board filling the seat if she got the most votes today.

"I'm ensuring they can't appoint a supporter of forced busing," Truitt said.

Truitt said the fact that she's not campaigning is helping John Tedesco's chances of winning the runoff election.

"It is highly probable that he's going to take the election so he can legitimately take the seat," Truitt said.

Tedesco isn't taking any chances. He said his campaign is continuing to run as if Truitt was an active candidate.

"I'm not taking anything for granted," Tedesco said.

Whether Truitt's announcement that she will serve if elected dampens turnout by supporters of the diversity policy is uncertain. The NAACP held a rally Sunday urging people to vote in the runoff election today.

Although Truitt has argued that she's against forced busing, supporters of the diversity policy may consider her a more palatable choice than Tedesco. That's why she was endorsed in the runoff by groups such as the liberal Independent weekly.

NAACP's threat to sue over resegregation

KeungHui — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:32:36 -0500

To say that the NAACP is making a threat to sue just hours before the school board runoff election is a bit of a stretch.

As noted in Saturday's article by Thomas Goldsmith and Kristin Collins, that threat to litigate was made at Friday's NAACP mass meeting at Martin Street Baptist Church.

The Rev. William Barber, head of the state NAACP, drew a standing ovation at Friday's meeting when he brought up the willingness to sue Wake to prevent resegregation.

You can check out tomorrow's paper and the blog for an amplification on Barber's position. For now, you can read this speech he made Friday.