Wake County Reassignment Appeals Deadline Extended

The deadline is extended to 5 p.m. Mon., Feb. 9, because of the snow days.

Wake County school officials said they are getting more positive feedback than before, but parents in at least one neighborhood would like to be reconsidered.

Davis Drive Middle School is right over the tree tops from the Park Village subdivision in Cary, bu it does not appear that Marc and Karoline White's rising seventh-grader will go there next year. The homes south of Park Village Drive will go to Salem Middle School instead.

The next Wake County school re-assignment proposal divides the Whites' 600-home neighborhood up, so that only one side is affected.

The Whites said they moved into the neighborhood because of the Davis Drive schools.

"We waited," Marc White said, "lived in a tiny little apartment until a house became available, and we jumped on that right away."

Five-hundred students are slated to move from Davis Drive Middle School, partially to alleviate overcrowding. They also are moving to fill Salem Middle School, a new school two miles down the road.

Dr. Ramey Beavers, Wake County Schools' senior growth management director, said a growing distict and new schools mean moves have to be made.

"Somebody from Davis Drive has got to go," Beavers said.

Before the proposal is finalized, there is room for flexibility and feedback.

"We also know that people who have a closer attachment don't want to leave it," Beavers said. "We understand that."

Beavers said his office has received 500 e-mails or phone calls with feedback, both positive and negative.

The Whites and their neighbors plan to join together with a petition in hopes that flexibility flexes in their direction.

There will be an informational meeting for parents Mon., Feb. 2, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Apex Town Hall.

The community groups that are sponsoring the event say they will help parents navigate the appeals process.