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WakeEd
The WakeEd blog is devoted to discussing and answering questions about the major issues facing the Wake County school system as it prepares to undergo historic changes. Will the new school board scrap the diversity policy in favor of neighborhood schools? Will year-round schools be converted back to a traditional calendar? How will the new board respond to growth and the school construction program?
WakeEd is maintained by The News & Observer's Wake schools reporter, T. Keung Hui. While Keung posts information and analysis on the issues, keep us posted on your suggestions, questions, tips and what you're doing to cope with the changes in Wake's schools.
Weinbrecht on reassignment
Submitted by KeungHui on 01/06/2009 - 06:00
It's not a shock that Apex Mayor Keith Weatherly took shots at Wake's diversity policy at Monday's reassignment hearing.
But what about Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht? As noted in today's article, Weinbrecht criticized the diversity policy while speaking on behalf of the parents trying to avoid being reassigned from Apex High to Athens Drive High.
Weinbrecht, normally a strong supporter of the school system, prefaced his remarks to the school board. He said that he has tried to work as a lobbyist rather than speak out publicly.
But after hearing from so many parents, Weinbrecht said it was necessary now to publicly raise concerns about reassignment and the diversity policy.
While Weinbrecht said he believes economic diversity is good, he said the way it's been implemented has become "painful" and "destructive." He said parents also support economic diversity but that the way it's being carried out has pushed them past the “tipping point.”
Weinbrecht went on to urge the school board to implement the diversity policy in a different way. He didn't offer specifics.
“Reviewing a policy is a good thing, especially when your policy is causing harm,” Weinbrecht said. "While the intention of this policy is great, the impact is negative. I believe it's time to invite the parents to work with you. Invite the elected offficials to work with you to come up with better solutions."
His remarks drew applause from the crowd.
Weinbrecht and Councilman Don Frantz will meet with school board member Eleanor Goettee later this week to discuss the reassignment plan.
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Comments
Millberg and Ron on Bill Lemay today
Thu, 01/08/2009 - 18:49 — Voice_of_Reason_Anyone heard it? They were talking about the diversity policy. Milberg is sooooo full of it. She actually referenced the Wake Ed Partnership report as proof it works.
Help schmelp
Thu, 01/08/2009 - 14:56 — SideburnsThat's quite a belittling statement from Mayor Weinbrecht. Who is he actually referring to? His involvement in this issue at the 11th hour isn't all that admirable.
sounds like typical
Thu, 01/08/2009 - 15:58 — AngelaWsounds like typical "politico" speak if you ask me (not that you did! )
at least 11th hour is something anyway certainly something over the Mighty Meeker, no?
Agreed, you'll never hear
Thu, 01/08/2009 - 18:16 — CaryCurmudgeonAgreed, you'll never hear Meeker utter a peep about schools. Mayor Weinbrecht pursued a path of building relationships with school board members and trying to work with them to address the concerns of Cary citizens. He caught a lot of flak for taking this approach.
At Monday's meeting, Mayor Weinbrecht stated that his policy of lobbying the school board was not working, and thus he was changing policies and would now speak publicly. He gets kudos from me for putting the interests of citizens ahead of his ego, if only the school board could do the same. If Mayor Weinbrecht had to change policy, then it is very apparent that the school board is not willing to work with anyone.
Compromise
Thu, 01/08/2009 - 19:05 — SideburnsMudge,
I agree that Weinbrecht at least understands compromise should involve both parties meeting towards the middle. So far, the school board hasn't budged. Mayor Weinbrecht has.
His quote was a little irritating to read, however. Which officials are just complaining and not trying to help? It reads as if he will magically fix the problems by simply sitting down with them.
and so quite frankly, as my
Thu, 01/08/2009 - 18:23 — AngelaWand so quite frankly, as my reps would appear to be either the Mighty (part-time) Mayor (well I guess not even as I am county) and the illustrious Ms. Head....I am well and truly sunk ( and that's the nicest word I can use that's printable) over and over and over again.
you just need a new mayor
Thu, 01/08/2009 - 18:58 — CaryCurmudgeonyou just need a new mayor and new school board rep.
ROFL
Thu, 01/08/2009 - 19:32 — AngelaWoh if only it were that simple! :(
Leaders gather to discuss
Thu, 01/08/2009 - 13:18 — AngelaWLeaders gather to discuss reassignmentWednesday, January 07, 2009 | 11:57 PM WAKE COUNTY (WTVD) -- The fight over the new Wake County reassignment plan wages on.
Wednesday night, leaders in the Town of Cary met with school board members behind closed doors --two Cary town council members and the mayor met with two school board members, including Ron Margiotta, at Cary's town hall around 5 p.m.
The meeting was the result of a tenuous public hearing between families and school leaders earlier this week.
The fallout is a result of dozens protesting the county's plan to remove students from Apex High School and reassign them to Athens Drive High School.
The school board's plan to move more than 25,000 students in the next three years to ease overcrowding is at odds with what parents want. The proposal aims to create socioeconomic diversity.
Parents say they want their kids to stay in schools closest to their homes and Cary leaders are trying to help make it happen.
"I have cautious optimism that we'll see some important changes made to this plan," Cary Town Councilmember Gale Adcock said.
'I believe that kids should go to the school that's closest to their house," Cary Town Councilmember Don Frantz said.
The board members didn't say what they discussed during the meeting, all they would say is that it was a positive meeting.
However, Cary town leaders say they hope there is room to adjust their plan without compromising convenience or an improvement in Wake County schools.
"I've seen other elected officials just complain at the school board and that really doesn't accomplish much," Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht said. "What you need is offer to help and sit down and work with them and understand each other."
The Wake County school board has four more public hearings. The next one will be held Monday at Millbrook High School.
Half right?
Wed, 01/07/2009 - 14:31 — shearertwHere's where ncdad1 is half right. Government schools can only do so much and be but so good with the funds people are willing to supply them (through taxes).
Here's the part where ncdad1 goes off course. Government anything will at best be mediocre. Governments alone never make good or great schools. Good and great schools come from community involvement. Yes, even from childless people or people with children outside of the system. The problem with WCPSS is that they believe they can make "healthy" schools without the support of the community, total arrogance. Therefore, they do not mind alienating the community in search of some "high ideal". Ms. Rosa has no problem stating that there are no "neighborhood schools in WC". The diversity, YR and reassignment policies of WCPSS all destroy community involvement and parent participation in the schools. That is why they are all very bad ideas. It is also why WCPSS will never be a good school system much less a great one until these policies change.
All government programs have there limitations as ncdad1 suggest. However, if WCPSS would realize the value of community and implement strategies to involve instead of alienate them, they would far exceed their current limits.
Unfortunately, I believe many of the current board members and administrators believe they do not need the community or they are afraid of losing recognition and power.
What Now?
Wed, 01/07/2009 - 14:00 — CaryCurmudgeonThe big question is "What happens now?" More specifically, what happens now in Cary? Remember that not too long ago the school board tried to strong-arm Cary into paying for $1.6M in road improvements required to earn a CO for the new trailers at Panther Creek. Cary does not have the authority to grant such a waiver, so WCPSS needs to make a decision.
At Monday's meeting, the McGregor and Turner Creek folks presented sound cases for reconsideration.
Several speakers suggested that the school board reconsider its relationship with citizens, and reminded them that they were elected to 'serve' the citizens, not 'rule' them.
Will they listen and serve, or will they ignore and rule?
My bet: The trailers at Panther Creek will not host a class this school year, and the McGregor/Turner groups requests will be refused.
A Stay of execution!
Wed, 01/07/2009 - 23:56 — g88ky07I predict the McG folks DO get a stay of execution! The school board wants to be able to say they did a good thing by reversing some of the reassigns.
About 1.4% of the total number!
After all, the school board only wants what's best for us all, right!
By NBC17, NBC17, 2 hours, 34
Wed, 01/07/2009 - 11:52 — AngelaWBy NBC17, NBC17, 2 hours, 34 minutes ago
Updated: Jan. 7 9:59 amCARY, N.C. -
As the reassignment issue continues to heat up, some of Cary's elected officials are making a plea in person to a Wake County School Board Member.
Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and council members Gale Adcock and Don Frantz will be meeting privately with School Board Member Eleanor Goettee at five p.m. Wednesday.
The three Cary officials have all been working with parents who are fighting plans to have their children reassigned to different schools.
The current proposal has about 25,000 Wake County students changing schools over the next three years.
Thank you, Mayor Weinbrecht!
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 23:24 — cevangMayor Weinbrecht did a brave and wonderful thing by speaking publicly about the school reassignment issue in a tempered manner that addressed how an ideal goal has gone off-track and needs to be addressed in a fresh and intelligent direction. School diversity on all levels is an ideal goal but reassigning children to schools far from their community has presented numerous issues for students, their families and even the WCPSS budget. It doesn't make sense to force children to take lengthy bus rides (without seatbelts, still) that bypass schools with available space.
Mayor Weinbrecht pointed out what needed to be said and as a Cary resident of 10 years, I highly applaud his well-crafted message. He understands that Cary parents have had enough of this annual disruption and chaos that presents more problems than it solves. Something is terribly wrong with our current process when siblings who are close in age are forced to attend different schools to appease a diversity goal when they would normally attend the same school together.
The Wake County School Board members are faced with a difficult job and have worked hard under the current constraints and goals. However, I do hope they will take Mayor Weinbrecht's comments to heart and work to solve the problem immediately. I suggest they do so by throwing out this year's reassignment plan and allow the students to continue attending the schools they were assigned to last year. This frees up the WC school board members right now to readdress the reassignment issue and look for fresh solutions that work for students first, their families second and the school board third. Perhaps the time is right for the WC school board to set up a task force comprised of both students and parents to insure their points of view are considered and the taxpayer's voice is heard more clearly and more frequently.
Catherine Evangelista
what about North Wake County??
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 15:46 — new876It is great that the Cary, Garner, etc mayors are against the plan. Unfortunately we do not have any mayors in the northern county areas to "convince" the school board that this is a crazy idea. Worse yet, since we will be moved out of our school board district we will have no true voice on the board since we will not be able to vote for the board member who represents the proposed new schools for our nodes. I am trying to fight this, but it feels very much like an uphill battle.
new876
Wed, 01/07/2009 - 01:28 — SDR256new876 - please come to our cross county meeting. We are building a diverse county network of action oriented folks. We have many members who have been fighting this for some years now and may be able to help. Send me an email at sdr256@hotmail.com. I'll coordinate an invite for you. We need concerned people from across the county. We have a plan. We are taking action.
Which Schools?
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 20:34 — local23Is Patti Head your board honcho? Good luck. We have three different onces for each our ES, MS and HS..it's just amazing isn't it?
[While Weinbrecht said he
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 14:37 — ncdad1[While Weinbrecht said he believes economic diversity is good, he said the way it's been implemented has become "painful" and "destructive." He said parents also support economic diversity but that the way it's being carried out has pushed them past the “tipping point.” ]
Maybe there is room for compromise. If leaders, like Mayor Weinbrecht, see the value in diversity and support having diverse schools than that is a good step to a solution.
Craaap
Wed, 01/07/2009 - 01:30 — SDR256Lots of people see the value in diversity, ncdad. What timewarp are you living in?
Fight for all
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 12:54 — SideburnsWe all know the WCPSS staff recommendation to move the 2 Cary nodes out of Apex HS to Athens HS is not due to overcrowding. The plan has 128 students moving into Apex HS and then those 2 nodes moving out. It is clearly a diversity move. If these nodes are removed from the plan, I cry foul. All diversity moves should be reconsidered; not just those that have the most media attention.
What about nodes 369.3 - being reassigned from Cary HS (just down the street) to Green Hope HS? Or node 370.8 which is right next to 369.3? They are being reassigned to Panther Creek HS. These nodes are just over 1 mile from Cary HS yet are being moved for diversity purposes to almost 10 miles away. Living in a trailer park shouldn't mean you don't deserve the same consideration from the Board.
Your are Absolutely Correct!
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 20:42 — local23I would think one very, very important question to be asked in this reassignment mess is, when was 369.3 moved last? How was their move recorded..i.e., scores, graduation, etc? Were they even followed and what are the total impacts? Of course this should go for all NODES being moved.
This criss crossing is getting worse..didn't they just move some kids from Cary HS to Green Hope to Panther and now back Cary?
I looked at EC MS and their base surrounding nodes and the numbers are pathetic, most nodes are actually coming from a 7-10 miles radius away from the school! What is EC MS feeder HS? Is it Cary or Panther Creek?
"The plan has 128 students
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 14:30 — ncdad1"The plan has 128 students moving "
There are actually only 23 students once you adjust for grandfathering and magnet schools.
http://macgregordownsschools.wordpress.com/analysis/
In not out
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 14:41 — SideburnsThe 128 I was referring to are the ones being reassigned from Holly Springs and Cary HS into Apex - not the ones being moved out. 128, 104, 23...whatever. My point is if Ms. Goettee is meeting with Weinbrecht and crew, I would hope their discussion would also include the other nodes I referred to above....and any other nodes being moved for diversity's sake.
It's more than two nodes ...
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 16:04 — mpwalsh8Last night at the Public Hearing Don Frantz listed quite a few nodes that he and Mayor Weinbrecht would be speaking to Eleanor Goettee about. I don't recall all of them but Don specifically mentioned the "North Harrison corridor" and an island node somewhere near Cary High School. There are definitely more than two nodes on their agenda.
So true!
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 13:06 — gunfamThat's what Mayor Weatherly asked of the board at the meeting last night. He was there on behalf of ALL Wake County students (I was proud to be an Apex resident).
Not that they will listen....
a sad state
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 12:50 — AngelaW"Many people, in fact a majority, who don’t have kids in school, think their property tax are too high now and think having kids is a lifestyle choice"
and yet the reality is that today's children of that "lifestyle" choice will be "their" caretakers one day, possibly their doctor, lawyer, repair person, Nursing Home operator...but no let's keep taxes low and education mediocre, that mindset is jaw-dropping in its self-serving ignorance.
the "intangible"
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 12:03 — louiselee44How I wish I could have attended the meeting last night! I am still hoping to make it to one of the "hearings", but will probably have to drive out to Knightdale or Wendell.
I'm thankful that so many parents are now coming to life over this whole reassignment/MYR issue. It has been so frustrating to have seen this coming, but to have been unsuccessful in convincing others. Thanks to all who are speaking out, and working so hard to change things!
I'm still working on cost data that School Board members should have gathered long ago. Everytime I think I'll finally have time to get it all organized, some health emergency out of town comes along, or prolonged sickness, or something to pull me away. I'm close, though!
Putting data and facts aside, however (which is hard for me to do!), there's what I refer to as the "intangible" part of this whole issue - the part that seems to get lost in the shuffle - but that is arguably the most important piece of all.
It gets lost because it's difficult for some to understand - it can't be "figured out" on a computer, or even easily named. It has to do with what I believe lies in the hearts of those of us who have ever been a parent - that is, an intrinsic knowledge about what our particular child needs in order to grow into the type of individual we hope they will become.
The School Board is charged with seeing that every child gets the best public schooling that they deem possible - a noble and daunting task, to be sure. But quality schooling is only a piece of the huge pie that parents slice up for their children - a big piece, yes, but (not to offend anyone) not necessarily the most important piece.
Parents have to look at the entire "pie" if you will. I won't go into a lengthy explanation, but I think the readers here know what I mean. In that light, parents who CHOOSE a year-round school do so (I believe) because they instinctively know that such a schedule fits in to their knowledge of what is best for their child's overall well-being. The same holds true for parents who CHOOSE a traditional calendar. Isn't that the goal for all of us? We just want to have that choice - a reasonable, do-able option for our children.
Is that being selfish? Not in my opinion - not if the word "reasonable" is included. I taught low-income children - children with behavior problems - you name it - and they endeared themselves to my heart. I am not about separating children out like cattle. What I AM about is seeing that the parents of all students who are uprooted over and over again, who are split apart from siblings, whose parents are financially burdened because of daycare expenses,etc. - whatever - seeing that all parents have a fair say-so when it comes to their child's future.
Sorry for the diatribe, folks! I'll end with a question: Should any school board have the right to force a change in a lifestyle that is vital for some families? Think about it...
P.S. - I am being called out of town suddenly again, so if I don't comment back on this again, that's why!
“Should any school board
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 12:26 — ncdad1“Should any school board have the right to force a change in a lifestyle that is vital for some families? Think about it...”
Many people, in fact a majority, who don’t have kids in school, think their property tax are too high now and think having kids is a lifestyle choice.
The school board just needs to administer a state mandated level of education at a cost the community wants to pay. I don’t think they are missioned with helping every child be all they can be or meeting every family’s lifestyle choice. It is brilliant if the can but not the prime objective to provide a selection of lifestyle choices for parents to choose. It seems the YR schools were a stop gap measure to fully utilize seats in the short run to gain a respite while new schools were built. YR for three years, build new schools, back to traditional cycle would be an efficient cycle to deal with our growth. With so many competing claims, we have stagnated with traditional / MYR, kids living in mobile classrooms and meeting in hallways and media rooms.
Well, you apparently don't
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 13:43 — CaryCurmudgeonWell, you apparently don't have a very high opinion of the average Wake County citizen. Your assumption that citizens who do not have children in the system are satisfied with the mediocre is wrong. Intelligent people (and we do have lots of them here) know that schools are the lifeblood of the community.
lifeblood
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 14:37 — SDR256So, if the schools are the lifeblood, what does that make the BoE? The vampires? Sorry, couldn't resist.
(except Ron of course. He seems to have escaped)
Curmudgeon: Many of
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 14:21 — ncdad1Curmudgeon:
Many of the retirees and fixed income folks I talk to have more immediate needs of paying current bills. Also, the constant in-fighting between school officials and citizens and the denigration of the schools system (e.g. Wake s*cks compare to xxxx) has made them lose faith that investing in our schools is worthwhile.
If that's so,
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 16:23 — g88ky07If they have "lost faith" with investing in education, then how come they keep approving bonds in this county?
"If they have "lost faith"
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 16:50 — ncdad1"If they have "lost faith" with investing in education, then how come they keep approving bonds in this county? "
That was before ... the next bond vote should be coming up and we'll see where people want to put thier money ...
Hmm...
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 14:58 — Bob_SconceSometimes I doubt whether investing in our schools is worthwhile, considering the bizarre things that the school district does.
It is certainly true that a significant chunk of the opposition to increasing school funding comes from people without kids in the system. Part of that is the district's fault -- by driving kids to private and home schools, the district loses the parents support. But, there are a lot of people with kids in the schools who oppose sending additional money, just because they disagree with the policies of the school board.
In the last bond referendum, the district was able to cobble together enough of a coalition to pass the bond. I suspect that this would have been much easier if the board took more reasonable policies.
"In the last bond
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 15:51 — ncdad1"In the last bond referendum, the district was able to cobble together enough of a coalition to pass the bond. I suspect that this would have been much easier if the board took more reasonable policies. " Reminds me of an article two years ago about Gwinnett County school board after public outcry on reassignments went to building school twice as big so kids would no longer have to be reassigned ... they could have done that with Green Hope / Panther Creek and / Apex and E7 and just had one 5000 high school.
http://www.newsobserver.com/front/story/432187.html
The average Wake County
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 14:48 — CaryCurmudgeonThe average Wake County citizen is not retired and living on a fixed income.
Likewise, the average Wake
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 15:40 — ncdad1Likewise, the average Wake County citizen does not have children either ... that is the think about averages ... check anyone without kids and see if they know their node.
If WCPSS were not such a
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 16:04 — CaryCurmudgeonIf WCPSS were not such a disaster, people with children IN the school system wouldn't even know their node. They shouldn't have to know that.
Saying someone doesn't care about the school system because they don't know what node they live in is ludicrous.
BTW, since NONE of the School Board members have children in WCPSS, your logic would say that they don't care about our schools either.
Are you not embarrassed by some of the things you post?
You are jumping all over
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 16:48 — ncdad1You are jumping all over the place equating everyone with no kids at home hates schools …
1) People without kids don’t understand the drama
a. They don’t obsess over schools and reassignment
b. They would prefer lower taxes to higher score mostly
c. They think an adequate education as an affordable property tax is acceptable. They are not looking to invest in your kid to be stellar.
All the constant carping on the school as people spew anger are BOE, Administrators, F&Rs, Special Ed, etc. only weakens the public faith in the value of investing anymore in public schools. Winners attract a following. Ultimately, all this in-fighting will result in a loss of public trust and confidence resulting in fewer resources.
And, by the way, I do not
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 17:05 — CaryCurmudgeonAnd, by the way, I do not think empty nesters would appreciate you labeling them as uninterested in public education. What have you got against people who don't have children in the school system?
So, following your logic, I
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 16:59 — CaryCurmudgeonSo, following your logic, I make the following deductions:
1. By virtue of the fact that no school board member has kids in the system, they don't understand the drama of reassignment, want lower taxes, and don't care about my kid being steller. And I should extend that assumption to every WCPSS employee who does not have a child in the school system, including Chuck Dulaney and Del Burns.
2. As long as parents continue to advocate for their children, then public confidence in wcpss will be undermined, and the general public will be unwilling to invest in schools. Conversely, if all the parents would just shut up and accept what they are given, then the general public may be willing to invest more. You are making a huge assumption that spending more money will improve the quality of our schools somehow, and will negate the parental concerns caused by an ineffective busing program. Or, are you just saying parents should shut up?
“2. As long as parents
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 17:39 — ncdad1“2. As long as parents continue to advocate for their children, then public confidence in wcpss will be undermined, and the general public will be unwilling to invest in schools.”
The folks in MaGregor Downs are advocating for their kids. They state the facts, they can be verified, they propose realistic alternatives, they are polite, and they are respectful and relentless.
Many other folks spew hatred against Chuck, BOE, everyone except Ron, F&R’s, immgrants, etc. Others say that Wake schools are not as good as this place or that place where I use to live. It is the negativity against the schools non-kid voters will remember when they go to vote. What I hear from non-kid parent is I don’t understand all the fuss and bellyaching ….. I rode an hour on a bus … and the schools are good enough … we need a way to argue “within the family” and not destroy the Brand.
It is unfortunate that you
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 18:49 — CaryCurmudgeonIt is unfortunate that you characterize citizens without children that way. Clearly, your opinion is that those citizens stand in the way of progress.
Del Burns just published a book about how to build an excellent school system. The WCPSS public relations department continues their drumbeat about what a 'world class' school system we have. The NCAE and WakeEd Partnership also frequently are featured in the news or advertisements, highlighting the excellent school system in Wake County.
I don't know why those citizens would listen to a bunch of "hatred-spewing" parents when they hear some many great reviews of our schools, through 'official' channels.
I guess I give citizens without children more credit than you do. I believe they are capable of gathering information, discerning its accuracy, and making decisions which are not selfish but in the best interests of the community. I do not think these people stand in the way of progress.
I'm sometimes
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 16:22 — shearertwI'm sometimes embarrassed FOR ncdad1, if that counts. God help us if there is an ncdad2 out there.
Too funny!
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 17:02 — Dadof3Too funny!
ROFL!!!!!!!!
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 16:38 — AngelaWI don't think I could agree with anyone more!
ncdad1: " I don’t think
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 13:21 — louiselee44ncdad1: " I don’t think they [school boards] are missioned with helping every child be all they can be or meeting every family’s lifestyle choice."
I agree - that's why I stated that school boards are charged with focusing on optimal schooling - not lifestyles.
However, schooling is just one of many areas with which parents have to concern themselves. School schedules, reassignment, etc. impact families in a variety of ways, some of which are detrimental. I think parents should have a choice in deciding - within reason - what is best for their child. School Boards don't know that - parents do.
Louise Question
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 14:15 — ncdad1Curious … while they can offer alternative to make life easier are they obligated to?
It seems if they offered a single traditional or YR calendar that it would meet their obligations but maybe not the “wants” of the community. Governments seem to get themselves in trouble when they offer too many choices since they have such a hard to managing them, changing them and eventually terminating them.
School boards are not
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 15:29 — louiselee44School boards are not obligated to make life easier - no, not at all - but they are obligated to provide, to the best of their ability, schooling that will optimize the learning potential of each student. Do I think they are doing that? Absolutely not. Therein lies the heart of my arguments, I guess. In fact, I think more harm than good is being done by forcing the year-round schedule.
You and I both know that this isn't a perfect world, so an ideal scenario isn't even possible. But with the research I have done on mandatory year-round schools, with their track records, with the points I mentioned earlier, etc., I believe the current plan is doing a disservice to Wake County. That's my opinion.
Well said
Tue, 01/06/2009 - 15:37 — ncdad1.