During a recent Wake County School Board meeting, community members voiced their concerns regarding school safety, funding, and the impact of proposed legislative changes on public education.

Carrie Whitaker, a parent and volunteer, emphasized the importance of focusing on critical issues such as physical safety in schools, especially in light of rising concerns about school shootings. She urged the board to prioritize full funding for public schools, increased teacher salaries, and enhanced mental health resources for students. Whitaker passionately defended the integrity of educators, countering claims that schools serve as indoctrination centers, and called for a united effort to support public education.

Robert Stagno, representing the Bella Cosa neighborhood, expressed gratitude for the board's clarity in the student assignment process and its responsiveness to community concerns regarding school stability. He highlighted the importance of operational efficiency in maintaining neighborhood ties to local schools.

Meg Schroeder, a mother of three and former substitute teacher, raised alarms about the potential consequences of House Bill 10, which could divert funding from public schools to private institutions. She shared her experiences of being in understaffed and underfunded classrooms, stressing the need for adequate resources to support teachers and staff, and urged the board to reconsider any measures that would further diminish public school funding.

Brian Grovenstein, also a parent, addressed the board regarding the recent school reassignment plan that affected his community. He advocated for maintaining traditional calendar tracks for students and thanked the board for considering community feedback in their decision-making process.

The meeting underscored a collective call from parents and community members for the board to prioritize the needs of public schools, ensuring that funding and resources are directed toward enhancing the educational environment for all students.