Today’s Unbelievable School Board Meeting!

Oh my goodness – where do I even begin?? As soon as the 4 new school board members were sworn in at 3:15 this afternoon, things started to happen. First of all, Debra Goldman was unanimously chosen as Vice-chair of the board. Then, THEN – by a vote of (you guessed it) 5 – 4, eight new agenda items were added for discussion today/tonight – EIGHT!!!! The first of those was to elect a new chair for the board, even though Kevin Hill could stay on until the summer. So, by a 5 – 4 vote, the new Wake County school board chairman is….ready for this???? Ron Margiotta!!  Unfortunately, at that point, I had to leave (I had spent over three hours there) so I am anxiously awaiting news on discussion of the other seven new agenda items added on by the new board members, plus Ron. Here’s a list of what they were – we were only given a thumbnail version.

1) Resolution to appoint interim special legal counsel
2) Change in Student Assignment Policy
3) Resolution to ensure parental choice regarding year-round schools
4) Resolution to end all expenditures on the (Forest Ridge High) site and to seek an alternative site
5) A resolution to save costs and expenses
6) Resolution to end early release Wednesdays
7) Scheduling of regular meeting for Dec. 15

That boardroom was packed with citizens! Among the elected officials present were: June Atkinson (State Superintendent of Public Instruction), Representative Marilyn Avila, a couple of mayors, and Sheriff Donnie Harrison, just to name a few. Of course, there were also your "education-related" folks there as well - a lot of familiar faces!

More later, although I’ll be out of town with my mom for the better part of the next two days. Will try to post in the morning, however. Unbelievable day!!