Wake principals criticize board in feedback to Tata

Tata asked for anonymous suggestions from school leaders on what the school system is doing well and what improvements could be made.

According to feedback cards obtained by WRAL News, dozens of principals stressed a desire for the district to keep diversity in student assignments. Others cited increased paperwork for teachers and administrators, the future of magnet schools, budget anxiety and the frequent launching of new educational initiatives at various times throughout the school year as being top concerns for principals. 

But one single complaint was repeated over and over: school leaders worry that the board's political posturing and public bickering have gotten in the way of its educational mission.

"The tone for the current board majority is disrespectful to school staff members," one principal wrote. "Local examples are ignored, data are ignored and political agendas prevail at the expense of students. What was once a flagship system is now a national joke."

Another principal urged Tata to help bridge gaps between board members and school system staff.

"The relationships are very strained if not non-existent right now," the principal wrote. "The WCPSS staff perceive that the Board of Education...has zero interest in building positive relationships with central support staff and school administrators."