Wake School Board Discusses Year-Round Conversions

Just got back from the School Board’s facilities meeting this morning – Basically, they went over the draft criteria (two postings down) and discussed how board members “ranked” the listings. It varied greatly, but all agreed that every listing is important. They also passed out a proposed timeline for deciding which schools will be converted to year-round. That timeline is included in this article from the News and Observer.

It was frustrating sitting there just listening to the discussion. It appears that no effort is being made to find alternative ways to take care of the 3,000 student “surplus”. One board member did point out that many more than 3,000 will actually have to be reassigned. Also, the possibility of year-round middle schools is still very much on the table. I have yet to hear anyone mention the irrefutable facts as to why similar attempts elsewhere have failed miserably.

The board also wants to put together a communication “blitz” (my word) of sorts because the public (teachers included) just doesn’t understand about year-round schools. Can you imagine how one-sided that information will be? Is there anyone out there who can, and will, hold the board responsible for presenting the entire package surrounding mandatory year-round conversion? Will they consult those of us who have researched the pros and cons? Indeed the tone of the conversation implied, in my opinion, that a concerted “sales job” will have to take place to convince teachers and parents that they should support the School Board’s plan. A “this is a done deal” attitude was clearly present in that room.

Please continue to contact these members. It doesn’t take long for some of them to forget that they even heard from us, and to assume that we have given up. Thanks for standing firm. I am still hoping that attacking this issue from several fronts – some very open, and some behind the scenes – will bring about some positive results. As for holding our education leaders accountable – if we don’t do it, I doubt it will happen.