After reading about the decision to create 16 zones for student assignment in Wake County (news story, Aug. 31), I was startled to note that such a major decision was reached by the Student Assignment Committee before the public comment period ends Monday!
Four methods of dividing the county have been proposed, and the Board of Education appeared to welcome and encourage input from the community. In addition, board member John Tedesco et al. have repeatedly stated that no decision will be made without giving due weight to public comments. Making this decision before collecting all public input flies in the face of open and transparent governance.
The timing of this decision creates serious doubt in my mind that the BOE and the Student Assignment Committee value or consider public comment, ideas and input as a vital part of the decision-making process.
