The three finalists for Wake County Schools’ Superintendent answered questions from members of the community at a forum last night.
As expected for three people vying for the top job in the Wake Schools, Dana Bedden from Irving Texas, Ann Clark from Charlotte, and Jim Merrell from Virginia Beach, had some very nice things to say about the system they hope to lead.
“Coming to Wake County presents an opportunity to come to the state’s largest school district,” said Bedden, “but also one of the best school districts in the country.”
“You are the best district,” said Clark, “the highest performing school district in the state of North Carolina. A superb school system with great people and really neat kids.”
“Wake County is a superb school district, with great people and really neat kids,” said Merrell.
The public forum was the last event of a very busy day for the three candidates. Earlier, they visited schools and met with parents and educators.
All three hope to succeed Tony Tata, who was fired by the Wake School Board last fall. The new superintendent will face several challenges - among them, Wake Schools hopes to pass an $810 million school bond this fall.
The School Board has said it hopes to have a new superintendent in place by July first.