RALEIGH, N.C. — Wake County commissioners say school leaders are on the right track when it comes to the latest school construction bond proposal.

Board of Education members presented the nearly $1 billion proposal to the Board of Commissioners for the first time Wednesday. It includes converting 59 elementary schools to a year-round schedule to help ease overcrowding.

Commissioners said the $994 million cost is more likely to win voter support than earlier, more expensive packages that ranged from $1.37 billion to $1.97 billion.

The two groups, which will finalize the bond proposal next month, also decided to form an Independent Advisory Committee to act as a public watchdog over construction and renovation projects. If the construction bond passes, the group would help ensure money is properly spent.

Commissioners and school board members will nominate and select nine people for the committee by April 24.