We believe every family, regardless of their income level, should have a voice in their child’s education. Currently, some children take long bus rides by choice; others are forced. Some children attend year-round schools by choice; others are forced.

Some school populations qualify for a seat in our magnet program; others are being told they just aren’t “right”. Current policies create an inequitable system that benefits some families and communities while further dividing others. Parents must be empowered to choose the best educational opportunities for their children. By doing so, every child becomes a child, not a number; every family becomes a family, not a percentage; and every community becomes neighbors and friends, not a series of nodes.

Community-based assignments can conjure a variety of images and definitions. We believe community-based assignment should be inclusive as part of a parent’s choice in education, not restricted by percentages. A community should be a stable resource that families can connect with, lean on when they need help, contribute to and help evolve. A community might or might not be made up of immediate neighbors, but are a set of people that children can grow to know and rely on for help over time. We share many of the same concerns as others in Wake County when discussing a change of direction in WCPSS. We don’t have all the answers in solving some of the challenges we face but we recognize that current policies are failing too many children and families of Wake County. We are ready and willing to investigate new solutions, new ideas and better alternatives.