Another Wake School Bond Would Face Tough Battle

RALEIGH, N.C. — Wake County commissioners have said they want to put another bond package on the ballot this fall. But just two months after Wake County voters passed a $970 million package, would it stand a chance of passing?

“Every time we put another bond (on the ballot) for schools, it gets bigger and bigger and it gets a little tougher each time,” said consultant Ballard Everett, who has been a part of the last four winning bond issues in the county.

Everett said it was a big challenge to get the $970 million bond passed two months ago. Another bond issue going on the ballot a year later is going to be an even bigger challenge, he said.

“If they're going to do it, they’ve got to get started today, yesterday,” Everett said.

It’s not certain if the bond issue will even go before voters in 2007. Members of the Wake County School Board ultimately have to sign off on the move. With five members up for re-election this year, some observers said this is a political move by county commissioners to affect the elections.

“Interesting in a year when board members might be up for election, that there'd be a school bond referendum, instead of a year when county commissioners are up,” Everett said.

The school bond is not the only potential referendum Wake County leaders are considering this year. Commissioners have also suggested a $100 million bond for Wake Tech Community College, as well as a $60 million bond for libraries and $50 million for parks and open space.