Wake County officials are drafting new plans to reassign some students next school year.
School reassignment has been one of the most contentious topics in the Wake County school system. Officials didn't make any assignment changes last year for the current school year because only one new school opened up.
But 17 new schools are slated to open in the next few years to keep pace with the fast-growing county.
“Twenty-two babies are born every day in Wake County hospitals,” said school board member Christine Kushner. “That’s a kindergarten class born every day.”
School board members say the new schools will lead to changes in student enrollment zones to avoid overcrowded schools.
“We are a growing county and we're really trying to do the best we can of balancing those factors of fiscal responsibility, both in terms of dollars and in terms of family costs,” Martin said.
Martin says the assignment policy is guided by principles of proximity, stability, operational efficiency and student achievement.
School officials are encouraging public input as they prepare an official plan to present to the school board in November. The school board is expected to vote on a final plan by December.
