I have a child in a Wake County magnet school and am concerned about the future of the magnet school program. Our successful magnet schools are a model for school systems nationwide. But it's unclear what will happen to them within the Community Based Schools Resolution, expected to be approved by the majority at the next board meeting. The resolution mentions strong support for optional choice assignment opportunities including high-quality magnet schools. What is the exact plan for these schools? My daughter is very happy at her school. Will she and many other students have to be reassigned?
John Tedesco says that 25 or 30 magnet schools could remain as countywide schools within the neighborhood schools model. But what about the funding for these schools? Our magnet schools have been awarded millions in federal grants from the Department of Education. This money makes a big difference, especially in the current economy. But part of the criteria for receiving these grants is maintaining diversity within the schools. Would we still qualify for federal grants under a neighborhood schools model? What would the magnet program be like without the federal grants? Right now I have more questions than answers.
Lisa Karner
