Wake parents voice concern over minority, low-income student needs

The meeting, which is sponsored by the Coalition of Concerned Citizens for African American Children, focused particularly on Walnut Creek Elementary in southeast Raleigh, where 95 percent of students are black or Hispanic.

"That is not diversity," one parent said. "We are, whether people want to admit it or not, we are going back to segregation."

Students whose families can't to give them the support or extra help they need to succeed in the classroom will suffer more at schools with a high concentration of low-income and minority students, the parents allege.

Sutton, the only black school board member, said he is open to the community's concerns.

"Voters hold you accountable; it comes with the territory," he said. "We are up to the challenge."

Capacity is also a major issue at Walnut Creek, but despite a few hurdles, Principal Corey Moore said, "the boys and girls at Walnut Creek Elementary are receiving a great education."

Wake County school district leaders have added resources to Walnut Creek and increased the length of the school day to address some of those concerns.