WCPSS News Headlines
New Enrollment Projections Released
November 27, 2007 - Wake County Public School System's Growth and Planning Department worked jointly with the Wake County Planning Department to determine new enrollment projections for the next three years. The new projections reflect a steady increase of students, but at a slightly slower growth rate than last year's projections.
Board of Education Adopts Resolution Authorizing Public Private Partnership Proposals for a School
November 21, 2007 - The Wake County Board of Education adopted a resolution last night to move forward with a Request for Proposals ("RFP") to provide a new elementary school using a method commonly known as a public private partnership.
Explore Innovative Opportunities at the Magnet Schools Fair
Wake County Public School System will host its annual Magnet Schools Fair on Saturday, November 3rd, 2007, at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School. The Fair runs from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Families interested in educational choice should explore the innovative programs offered through the network of magnet programs.
Moore Named 2007 Principal of the Year; Edwards Named 2007 Assistant Principal of the Year
October 25, 2007 - The Wake County Public School System named Cathy Moore of Sanderson High School the 2007 Principal of the Year and Deborah Edwards of Salem Elementary School the 2007 Assistant Principal of the Year in ceremonies this evening at the Marbles (formerly Exploris) Museum in Raleigh. The awards ceremony is sponsored by the Wake County Public School System and the Wake County Division of Principals and Assistant Principals.
2007 Principal of the Year Finalists
October 25, 2007 - The Principal of the Year and the Assistant Principal of the Year for the Wake County Public School System will be named tonight at ceremonies at the Marbles Museum in downtown Raleigh.
Fourth Community Meeting Added To Discuss Student Assignment Process
October 24, 2007 - A fourth community engagement meeting was added today to the series of community meetings planned by the Wake County Public School System to inform and involve the public in the upcoming student assignment process.
Public-Private Partnership Moving Forward
October 24, 2007 - The Wake County Public School System is moving forward with plans to implement a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). During the October 16 Board of Education meeting, staff presented board members with a recommendation for a future school site to be used as a PPP pilot project.
Number of AP Exams Taken by WCPSS Students Increases by 1,000
October 18, 2007 - The number of Advanced Placement exams taken by Wake County Public School System students in 2006-07 increased by more than 1,000 over the previous year.
Board of Education Upholds Superintendent's Decision Regarding Teacher's Assignment: Votes to Release Teacher's Personnel File Information
October 16, 2007---The Wake County Board of Education today upheld Superintendent Del Burns' decision to reassign Robert Escamilla from teaching duties at Enloe High School to Mary E. Phillips High School. The decision came as a result of a grievance review filed by Escamilla to have the decision and reprimand letter overturned.
WCPSS Leads the Way in Pest Management
October 11, 2007 - The WCPSS Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program is now officially a state and national leader in creating safe learning environments by protecting students and staff from pests and pesticides.
WCPSS Becomes State's Largest District with 134,000 Students
October 11, 2007 - Enrollment in the Wake County Public School System increased to 134,002 on the 20th day of the 2006-07 school year, 6,000 students more than last year. This increase in enrollment made WCPSS the largest school district in NC, passing Charlotte Mecklenburg schools which reported 20th day enrollment of 132,281.
WCPSS Considers New Cost-Saving Design
October 9, 2007 - The Wake County Board of Education is considering a new middle school design that would combine auditorium and cafeteria space.
Middle Years Programme Authorized for East Garner Middle and Garner High
October 4, 2007 - The International Baccalaureate Organization has authorized Garner High School and East Garner Middle School to offer the Middle Years Programme.
Twelve WCPSS Schools Take Part in 2007 Walk to School
Oct. 2, 2007 - On Wednesday, October 3, twelve Wake County elementary schools will participate in the 2007 International Walk to School Day as a part of the national event involving more than 5,000 schools. International Walk to School Day is just one example of a lifestyle change that could help curb our nation's obesity and type II diabetes epidemic.
Magnet Schools Win Federal Grant
October 1, 2007 - The Magnet Programs Office of the Wake County Public School System has been awarded a three-year federal magnet school assistance grant by the U.S. Department of Education. The first year's funding will total $3,582,151.
14 WCPSS Students Named National Achievement Scholar Semifinalists
September 26, 2007 - Fourteen students from eight Wake County Public School System schools have been named semifinalists in the 2008 National Achievement Scholarship Program.
48 WCPSS Students Named Merit Scholar Semifinalists
September 21, 2007 - Forty-eight students from 14 Wake County Public School System schools were among the approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the 53rd annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
CFAC Releases School Construction Report
September 19, 2007 - Today the Wake County Citizens Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) presented its initial report on WCPSS's facilities and building program to the Wake County Board of Education and Board of Commissioners.
School's Back, Please Drive Safely
September 10, 2007 - With all schools in Wake County back in full operation, school and public safety officials are calling on all drivers to be aware of school zones and bus stops and to be more diligent when traveling in these areas.
Eleven WCPSS Schools Named Honor Schools of Excellence
September 6, 2007 - Eleven Wake County Public School System schools were recognized as Honor Schools of Excellence, according to the 2006-07 state ABCs of Public Education announced today.
Teaching and Learning Takes Center Stage in Curriculum Management Audit September 4, 2007 - The Wake County Board of Education today received the results of a six-month Curriculum Management Audit conducted by Phi Delta Kappa International, the first of its kind for the Wake County Public School System. The results were presented by Dr. Rosanne Stripling, Professor and Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and Education at Texas A&M University-Texarkana, who served as lead auditor on the project.
A Hard Look for a Better School System
August 31, 2007 - The next few weeks may be one of the most important periods in the Wake County Public School System's history. Next Tuesday, the leader of a team of independent auditors will present to the Wake County Board of Education the results of their comprehensive investigation into our curriculum and the system within which it is delivered.
Wake County Students Continue to Excel on 2006-07 SAT
August 28, 2007 - SAT scores for 2006-07 Wake County Public School System seniors provide the second year of the new scores for a three-section SAT with math, critical reading and writing. This year, WCPSS seniors averaged 538 on math, 519 on critical reading and 505 on writing. The combined average score is 1562.
WCPSS Prepared for the First Day of Traditional Calendar School
August 27, 2007 - With the opening of the 2007-08 school year, nearly 100,000 Wake County Public School System students will be returning to school today.
Parents and Teachers Work for Student Success
August 23, 2007 - The relationship between parent and teacher can be critical to educational success for children.
WCPSS Students Meeting Demands Of Accountability Testing
August 23, 2007 - Wake County students continued to perform at a high level on state End-of-Grade testing for 2006-07, as the Wake County Public School System reported on preliminary state accountability testing today.
Students Perform Les Mis at Memorial Auditorium
August 22, 2007 - More than 70 students from 22 Wake County Public schools are completing several weeks of full day practices to prepare for the Broadway Series South production of the student performance of Les Mis Sept 28 and 29 at Memorial Auditorium.
School Board Executes Agreement for Sales Tax Reimbursement
August 21, 2007 - Agreements that will provide an approximate sales tax refund of $12 million over the course of the next three years have been approved and executed by the Wake County Board of Education and the Wake County Board of Commissioners.
WCPSS Releases Preliminary 2006-07 AYP Results
August 17, 2007 - The Wake County Public School System today released the preliminary results for Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) under the federal "No Child Left Behind Law" (NCLB) for elementary and middle schools. For the 2006-07 school year, 52 out of 121 elementary and middle schools in WCPSS met the AYP standard.
WCPSS Hires More than 900 New Teachers for 2007-08
August 13, 2007 - More than 9,000 teachers will be prepared to teach more than 136,000 students at 154 Wake County Public schools this year.
WCPSS Seeks Bus Driver Candidates
August 2, 2007 - Bus drivers are needed for the start of the 2007-08 traditional calendar school year that begins August 27 and Wake County school administrators are encouraging candidates to apply now.
Board Approves Options for 2007-08 School Choice
July 24, 2007 - Options for 2007-08 public school choice were approved by the Wake Board of Education at its July 17 meeting in preparation for the release of school annual yearly progress reports under the federal No Child Left Behind Law.
Board Approves Balanced Budget Resolution
July 24, 2007 - The Wake Board of Education finalized the 2007-08 Plan for Student Success with the passage of a balanced budget resolution at its July 17 meeting.
WCPSS Television 'Smartest Hour' Takes to the Airwaves
July 17, 2007 - The Smartest Hour on Television will be coming to Wake County this fall.
WCPSS Communications Chief Michael Evans told the Wake County Board of Education today that all Wake County residents will soon have the opportunity to watch the Smartest Hour on Television, expanded television programming from the Wake County Public School System.
Five WCPSS Students Earn National Merit Scholarships
July 18, 2007 - Five Wake County Public School System students were named winners of Merit Scholarship awards financed by colleges and universities, according to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
School Buses Return To Road For 2007-08 School Year
July 9, 2007 - Bus rides to school generally ran smoothly on the first morning for students attending Wake County's year-round schools.
Buses rolled to 38 elementary and eight middle schools for the start of the school year. Since many parents like to take their youngest children to school on the first day, WCPSS Transportation Department administrators say they expect to see more students on the buses returning home this afternoon. Schools, bus drivers and families work out transportation issues together in the first days of schools.
Seven new schools open in 2007-08
July 9, 2007 - The Wake County Public School System will open seven new schools for 2007-08, while more schools are being built and planned. The schools opening this year include three new year-round elementary schools and one new year-round middle school.
2007-08 School Year Begins For 46 Year-Round Schools
July 9, 2007 - School opens for more than 36,000 Wake County year-round students at 38 elementary and eight middle schools today.
Transitioning Schools Are Ready For Year-Round Calendar
July 9, 2007 - After months of discussion and preparation, 22 elementary and middle schools in Wake County are making the transition to the multi-track year-round calendar.
Curriculum Management Audit Expected to Recommend Changes
July 9, 2007 - The Curriculum Management Audit requested by Superintendent Del Burns is due in August and school administrators expect the audit to provide a roadmap for change to improve instruction for students.
July 9: Transportation Patterns Change with the Opening of New 2007 schools
June 29, 2007 - Drivers should be prepared for changing transportation patterns caused by the opening of new schools and the return of school buses to the roadways transporting students to 46 year-round elementary and middle schools with the new year beginning July 9.
Newest WCPSS High Schools Record Some of Best Results on 2006-07 EOCs
June 28, 2007 - Students at the three newest Wake County high schools had some of the greatest success on this year's state End-of-Course testing, in a year when students overall did not perform as well on the state high school accountability tests.
High Schools Schedule 2007 Freshman Camps
June 25, 2007 - WCPSS high schools are offering freshman camps to help ninth graders begin their journey as the Class of 2011.
Board Reviews Phase-out for Some Elementary Magnet Schools
June 22, 2007 - Plans that may be used for phasing out magnet programs at several Wake County Public School System elementary schools were discussed with the Board of Education during a committee of the whole meeting June 19.
Rosa Gill Selected as Board of Education Chair
June 20, 2007 - Rosa Gill was selected as the new chair of the Wake County Board of Education during the board's annual meeting June 19. Gill was a unanimous choice for the post, the only person nominated by board members for the job of chair.
Valedictorian Speeches at 2007 Graduation Ceremonies
June 8, 2007 - Graduation is the time when students walk across a stage to be congratulated by their principal and to be presented with a diploma that signifies they have successfully completed four years of high school study. During this recognition of each individuals achievement, time is set aside for several students to express the excitement of the moment, to remember the hard work of their years in school and to look forward to the future. WCPSS valedictorians were invited to submit their comments and several agreed to share what they had to say.
Board Assigns 2,600 Students to Traditional Calendar Schools
June 7, 2007 - The Board of Education assigned more than 2,600 students who returned consent forms asking for traditional calendar seats to 31 elementary schools, 10 middle schools and one high school.
WCPSS Graduates More Than 7,200 Students for 2007
June 3, 2007 - The Wake County Public School System will award diplomas to 7,267 students in 19 ceremonies through Sunday, June 10.
Wake High Schools Prepare for Graduation
May 25, 2007 - Nineteen schools will hold graduation ceremonies using five different sites beginning 7 p.m., Friday, June 1 with the Southeast Raleigh High graduation ceremony at Reynolds Coliseum.
Schools are holding practices for their graduation ceremonies this week so students will be familiar with plans for their event. Schools have provided tickets to students for their guests and schools will be following guidelines to keep the events safe and orderly.
WCPSS Honored for Accounting and Financial Management
May 23, 2007 - The Wake County Board of Education was awarded the 2005-2006 State Treasurer's Award for Excellence in Accounting and Financial Management for the establishment of a Fraud Prevention Program, internal control improvement, and implementation of a budget manager certification program.
WCPSS Completes Review of Controversial Guest Speaker May 23, 2007 - The Wake County Public School System today completed its investigation into the controversial guest speaker who spoke to Enloe High School classes at the invitation of an Enloe history teacher earlier this semester. As part of this process the district interviewed students and staff and reviewed materials related to the speaker's presentation. The investigation also included a comprehensive review of the teacher's performance and of the district's policies and procedures relating to the use of guest speakers.
Four Teachers Honored with Diane Kent-Parker First-Year Teacher Award
May 21, 2007 - Four Wake County teachers have been honored with the Diane Kent-Parker First-Year Teacher Award, the first recipients of the award named after the late WCPSS teacher recruiter. The teachers are Elizabeth Nida of Jeffreys Grove Elementary, Tracey Willner of Davis Drive Elementary, Janice Jarrett of East Garner Middle and Antwayne James of Enloe High.
WCPSS Transportation Receives Plug-in School Bus
May 17, 2007 - Bus number one was presented to the Wake County Public School System today, as WCPSS became one of the first school districts in the nation provided a new plug-in hybrid electric school bus for the 2007-08 school year.
Fuquay-Varina Teacher is 2007 Wake County Teacher of the Year
May 17, 2007 -- Fuquay-Varina High School teacher Paige Elliott is the 2007 Wake County Teacher of the Year.
Superintendent Del Burns presented Elliott the Wake County Teacher of the Year Award sponsored by Wachovia Bank at tonight's banquet. Burns praised Elliott for returning to teach at the school from which she graduated and for earning the school system's highest honor. Hundreds of community and education leaders attending the event congratulated her with applause.
Board Receives Update on Return of Consent Forms
May 17, 2007 - In a work session of the Board of Education this morning, Assistant Superintendent Chuck Dulaney reported on the return of consent forms due to be returned to schools by Friday, May 18.
The Board of Education Reviews 2007-08 Plan for Student Success with County Commissioners
May 16, 2007 – The Wake County Board of Education reviewed the Plan for Student Success with Wake County Commissioners in a joint meeting today.
Phi Delta Kappa Auditors Complete Site Visit at WCPSS
May 11, 2007 - Auditors from Phi Delta Kappa have spent the last week investigating the Wake County Public School System in a curriculum management audit requested by the school system.
2007 Wake County Teacher of the Year Finalists
May 10, 2007 – One of 10 finalists will be named the 2007 Wake County Teacher of the Year at a banquet on Thursday, May 17 at the Embassy Suites in Cary.
Judge Manning Approves Board Action
May 10, 2007 – Wake County Superior Court Judge Howard Manning has approved steps taken by the Wake County Board of Education in response to his May 4 ruling. (Questions & Answers)
Board of Education Congratulates 2007 WCPSS Valedictorians
May 10, 2007 - Wake County Board of Education members held a luncheon to honor the twenty-one 2007 Wake County Public School System valedictorians. Board members, Superintendent Del Burns and school administrators met with the students at the NC State University Faculty Club.
Board Takes Steps to Reassure Parents in Wake of Judge's Ruling
May 4, 2007 - After reviewing the order from Wake County Superior Court Judge Howard Manning with legal counsel, the Board of Education took steps in a meeting Friday morning to reassure parents and clarify the legal issues of the ruling.
School Administrators Review Judge Manning's Order
May 3, 2007 - Today's order from Wake County Superior Court Judge Howard Manning will have an impact on where Wake County Public School Sytem students will attend school for 2007-08.
Two Broughton High Students Named 2007 National Merit $2,500 Scholars
May 2, 2007 - Two Broughton High students, Victoria J. Ma and Gregory F. Randolph, have been named as 2007 National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners.
Bus Stops Moved from Morrisville Carpenter Road
May 2, 2007 - Seven bus stops affecting nine bus routes are being moved from Morrisville Carpenter Road in Morrisville by the Transportation Department of the Wake County Public School System.
Public Input on WCPSS Curriculum Invited
As part of the comprehensive curriculum management audit being conducted by Phi Delta Kappa of the Wake County Public School System, there will be an opportunity for parents and community members to participate in 15 minute interviews with the auditors discussing the school system's curriculum. More details and online signup...
Board of Education Approves 2007-08 Plan for Student Success
April 24, 2007 - The Wake County Board of Education approved the Plan for Student Success with a unanimous voice vote at its April 24 meeting, seeking to meet the impact of dramatic student enrollment growth on the school system.
Wake High Schools Share Innovations
April 24, 2007 - More than 70 high school educators from across the U.S. visited two Wake County high schools to see steps taken by school administrators to strengthen rigor, relevance and relationships for students.
East Garner Educator Recognized as National SAVE Advisor of the Year
April 19, 2007 - East Garner Middle School bookkeeper Diane Fish, who is one of the school's SAVE advisors, has been named National SAVE Advisor of the Year by the National Association of Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE).
Two WCPSS Students Named 2007 National Merit Scholars April 19, 2007 - Two students of the Wake County Public School System have been named as 2007 Merit Scholarship winners.
2007-08 Teacher of the Year Finalists Named
April 16, 2007 - WCPSS has named 10 finalists for the Wake County Public School System's 2007-08 Teacher of the Year. A reception honoring the 20 semi-finalists was held Thursday, April 12, at the North Carolina Bar Association, where the 10 finalists were named.
34 WCPSS Students Named Teaching Fellows
April 11, 2007 - 34 WCPSS Seniors earned NC Teaching Fellows scholarships this year. Another 13 students were recognized as alternates.
Spring Job Fair Set for Saturday, April 14
April 11, 2007 - More than 3,000 teacher candidates have registered to take part in the 2007 Spring Job Fair to be held by the Wake County Public School System on April 14.
East Garner Student Recognized as National SAVE Student of the Year
April 10, 2007 - East Garner Middle School eighth grader Casey Story has been recognized by the National Association of Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) for her volunteer work and efforts in preventing school violence with the 2006-2007 National SAVE Student of the Year Award.
Educators and Students Have Spring Break Travel Plans
March 30, 2007 - Teachers will travel to Guatemala and students to New Orleans and London during spring break, which is April 2-6 for most Wake County Public School students.
Schools Warn Students About Driving: Just Think First
March 30, 2007 - Students are being warned against the dangers of under-aged drinking and the deadly mix of cars and alcohol with several high-profile events at Wake County Public schools.
First Lady Mary Easley Calls on Teens to Drive Safely
March 19, 2007 - Wakefield High seniors listened to a roll call of the names of six of their friends killed in wrecks over the last year. The last name, Sadiki Young, was the hardest for Dr. Rosemarie Newman to read. Young was her son.
Wake Able to Handle Traditional Calendar Applications
March 16, 2007--The Wake County Public School System has already placed 99 percent of the students who applied for a traditional calendar option in the school that they wanted. This number is expected to rise as the Growth and Planning Department is working to find space to place the remaining traditional calendar applications.
2007-08 Teacher of the Year Semi-finalists Named
March 11, 2007 - WCPSS has named 20 semi-finalists for the Wake County Public School System's 2007-08 Teacher of the Year. Each WCPSS school selected a Teacher of the Year and from those honored, the selection committee determined 20 semi-finalists to be recognized for their dedication to children and quest for personal and professional excellence.
Four WCPSS Students Named 2007 Morehead Scholars
March 9, 2007 - Four Wake County Public School System students were among the 70 students named Morehead-Cain Scholars at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The value of the Morehead-Cain Scholarship is about $80,000 for each in-state student.
Board Approves Change to Calendars for 2008-09
March 8, 2007 - At its March 6 meeting, the Board of Education made changes to calendars for traditional and single-track year-round calendar schools for 2008-09. At the request of teachers, the board moved spring break on both calendars.
Growth Drives Superintendent's Plan for Student Success
March 6, 2007 - In the Plan for Student Success presented to the Board of Education at its meeting this afternoon, Superintendent Del Burns said the school system is seeking to meet the impact of dramatic student enrollment growth and state-mandated increases.
Three WCPSS Students named Park Scholars
March 5, 2007 - Three Wake County Public School System students were among the 51 students North Carolina State University has selected as Park Scholars for fall 2007. These prestigious awards are valued at about $59,000 for North Carolina residents. The scholarship winners were selected from among more than 1,000 applicants.
Wake Near Top Of State in New Graduation Rate
February 28, 2007 - The 82.6 percent graduation rate for the Wake County Public School System is one of the highest graduation rates among North Carolina school districts and higher than the state's other large urban districts.
No Child Left Behind District Improvement
February 12, 2007--The Wake County Public School System has entered Title I District Improvement under No Child Left Behind. This means that the school system missed Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) targets in the same subject area (reading) for two years in a row. Answers to common questions are available.
Board Approves 2007-08 Growth Management Plan
February 6, 2007 - After six months of discussion with the community on filling new schools opening for 2007-08, the Board of Education approved a growth management plan at its meeting Tuesday.
Board of Education Considers 2007 School Construction Referendum
February 1, 2007 - In a special called meeting, the Board of Education considered a 2007 school construction referendum in order to allow the system to return to its voluntary year-round model and amended its legislative agenda to ask NC lawmakers to increase the cap on charter schools.
CFAC Receives Construction Cost Analysis Report
February 1, 2007 – The Citizens Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) yesterday received a construction cost analysis report from its consultants showing that the Wake County Public School System was comparable to the seven other school districts studied.
Board Identifies Traditional Calendar Application Seats, Sets Public Hearing Following Work Session
January 26, 2007 - A public hearing has been set for 6:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 5 for families who have been added to the 2007-08 growth management proposal or who have had children assigned to a different school during today’s eight hours of discussion in the Board of Education work session. The list of nodes affected is now available.
Eleven Employees Recognized for Excellence
January 24, 2007 - Eleven Wake County Public School System employees were recognized by the Board of Education with Employee Excellence Awards at the board's Jan 23 meeting.
Superintendent Presents First School System Midterm Report Card
January 23, 2007 - Superintendent Del Burns today called for a comprehensive independent curriculum management audit of the Wake County Public School System as part of his first "midterm report" to the Wake County Board of Education.
Board Considers Changes at Student Assignment Work Session
January 19, 2007 - Letters went out today to families in several nodes that Board of Education members are considering in addition to the staff recommendations for the 2007-08 growth management proposal.
Freshmen Tackling Gateway Exams for the First Time
January 17, 2007 - With changes in high school exit standards going into effect this year, freshmen are taking gateway exams for the first time this semester in Wake County Public School System high schools.
2007-08 Growth Management Proposal Presented to Board of Education
January 9, 2007 - A 2007-08 growth management proposal that has 11,079 students, moves more than 6,700 students to schools closer to their homes and allows grandfathering for up to 3,746 students was presented to the Board of Education this afternoon. It is available for review and comment online.
Wake Tops the Nation in National Board Certified Teachers
January 9, 2007 - The Wake County Public School System has 1,137 teachers who have earned certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The 186 teachers who earned certification during 2006 and the 951 current WCPSS teachers with certification means WCPSS has the largest corps of teachers to earn certification from the National Board of any school system in the nation.
WCPSS Teachers Renew National Board Certification
January 3, 2007 - Seven Wake County Public School System teachers recently earned renewal of their certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. They are the first of more than 950 WCPSS National Board certified teachers that have gone on to renew their certification.
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