Wake commissioners rank school bond as top priority

The Wake County Board of Commissioners said it wants to make it a priority to get a successful school bond on the ballot this fall.

The bond issue was No. 1 among top goals the board voted to approve Monday.

The Wake County Public School System needs up to 16 new elementary schools, five middle schools and six high schools, and there are many renovation needs at existing schools. Those capital needs might require the county issuing up to $2 billion in bonds, elected leaders have said.

But some school board members have said they think commissioners are moving too quickly. They suggest postponing the referendum until 2014.

In other business Monday, commissioners considered a proposal to open a Go Ape adventure course at Blue Jay Point County Park.

The treetop course would use zip lines and swings to navigate the forest. Go Ape currently operates three similar courses in the United States.

However, some commissioners were concerned about potential liability and allowing private vendors to operate in a public park.