RALEIGH — Wake school board members have just cast a preliminary vote to reinstate twice monthly action meetings and the standing committees that they discontinued in August.

Chairman Ron Margiotta introduced the topic of the committees at today's work session, noting the increased need for panels such as those concentrating on finance and facilities as the panel headed toward budget deliberations for the next school year. The motion calls for committees to meet only when their chairs found it necessary.

Board member Debra Goldman voted against Republican colleagues in the move to reestablish two monthly full board meetings, but then asked for more discussion at the full board meeting that begins at 5:30 p.m.

"I'm not comfortable with my vote," Goldman said.

Opponents of the change have protested that the single action meeting was the only opportunity for public comment each month, cutting chances for citizen input in half.

Goldman's stance on future issues has been the object of much speculation since she voted with the Democratic minority to stop work on a zone-based student assignment plan in October.