Wake County Commissioners Propose School Board Changes

A majority of Wake County commissioners are seeking changes on the way the county's school board operates.

Republican commissioners narrowly outvoted Democrats on the proposed changes.  G-O-P commissioners want to change the election procedure for school board members.  Their proposal would have five districts represented on the board with four at-large seats.  School board members each represent a district right now. 

The remaining changes reflect questions commissioners have on how the school board handles its money.  Commissioners want to have the final word on which schools are built and where, as well as a say on funding that can be used for charter schools.   Democrats on the Board of Commissioners believe school board members should be consulted before the changes are made.  Republicans say the opposition is nervous because a G-O-P-controlled legislature would be likely to agree to the proposals.