Wake student assignment policy hot topic at public forum

The school district assigns students so that no school has more than 40 percent of students receiving free or reduced-price lunches. Students are reassigned each year to maintain that level, as well as to fill new schools and relieve overcrowding.

At least five of the school board's nine members have indicated that they plan to end the practice, which can involve busing students to schools farther from their homes, in favor of neighborhood schools.

Board members who support the policy say changing the current plan in favor of neighborhood schools would disrupt diversity at schools.

School board member Keith Sutton requested Thursday night’s meeting after seeing a low participation of certain groups on a survey of year-round schools.

“There were many economically disadvantaged families that did not participate in the survey,” Sutton said.

While year-round schools were discussed, the fewer than 20 people who spoke mainly addressed the assignment policy.

“We have to realize racism still exists in Wake County,” said Amy Womble, who would like to see the program stay.

Some people, including Joey Stansbury, would rather see the policy go.

“We have no data the diversity policy works,” he said.

Wake County Board of Education committee has been holding meetings to discuss the assignment policy. They plan to make a recommendation to full board.

Other public forums on year-round schools are:

Each meeting runs from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. in the schools' auditoriums.