Holly Springs parents push back on Wake school reassignment proposal

Parents have launched a petition in hopes that revisions are made to the proposal.

"It doesn't make much sense to me why they would single out this neighborhood to make that decision," said Lewis Jackson.

Jackson said he was drawn to Holly Springs based on how close the schools were to his home.

"When you look at the distance that this neighborhood is to the high school, it's about 1.4 miles," said Jackson. "It's very easy to get to."

The proposed plan from the Wake County Public School System would reassign Jackson's child and other high school students from Holly Springs High School to Fuquay-Varina High School.

"To me, there's a danger involved with that, in regards to new kids learning how to drive and going to high school ... being in a rush to go to school because they're running late or get to events," said Jackson.

Parent Son Ly said the proposal singles out the Stonemont community.

"It's not an ideal situation," said Ly. "Other neighborhoods much closer to Fuquay-Varina have much larger households that would have an impact in terms of overcrowding."

Census data shows Holly Springs’ population grew from 9,192 in 2000 to nearly 42,000 people in 2021, and Fuquay-Varina’s population grew by more than 335 percent, to more than 34,388 people.

"While we strive to assign students to the most proximate school to their address, it is not always possible. This is only the first draft of the enrollment process," a school district spokeswoman said in a statement.

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"I would like to stay within at least a 1- or 2-mile radius for all kids. I know it's not possible in every case, but if I had my choice, that's what it would be," said Jackson. "I know it's not an easy decision when you have this many people. It's growing like crazy."

The school district will present a second draft basked on feedback to the school board on Nov. 16

A public hearing about the draft will be held during a school board meeting on Nov. 30. The board is expected to vote on the final plan on Dec. 7.