4 schools might lose programs

RALEIGH -- Parents at four Wake magnet elementary schools say they were caught by surprise at the school board's recent decision to end the programs at the schools.

Many parents are hoping the school board will delay its final vote today until it has heard their concerns.

In May, the Wake school board decided to cut the magnet programs from Root, Olds, Lincoln Heights and Wake Forest elementary schools. The magnet schools each had unique programs ranging from a focus on student leadership abilities and working on community projects to offering students electives in orchestra and robotics and partnerships with N.C. State.

"We're basically being thrown in the dark," Lincoln Heights parent Brian Keen said of the school board's decision.

Started in 1982, the magnet program was intended to attract more affluent families to schools inside the Beltline to fill the schools. Magnet programs are often a draw because they offer students specialized classes in dance, foreign languages and arts that aren't offered elsewhere.

Board members decided last month that the four elementary schools no longer meet the district's magnet goals for reducing concentrations of students from low-income families and maximizing school capacity.

At each of the four schools, the percentage of free or reduce-price lunches is below the county average of 33.8 percent.

The school board is expected to make its final decision on the schools today. But unless board members change their votes, school board member Carol Parker said she's expecting the board's earlier decision to stand.

"This is a formality to affirm our vote," she said.

No timeline has been set as to when the schools will lose their magnet status. The board is also expected to discuss a phase-out plan today.

On Monday, several Olds parents took their discontent to the streets. More than 30 gathered on the sidewalks of Dixie Trail holding signs with phrases like "Don't Demagnetize Us," and "Save Our Magnet Status" blazoned on the front and chanting "Mend It, Don't End It."

Olds, which offers a University Connections theme that allows the school to have a partnership with N.C. State University, is the only one of its kind out of Wake's 35 magnet programs. Because of the program, faculty and students from N.C. State work with students in math and science.

"I'm extremely surprised and very frustrated the school board didn't give families the opportunity to voice their concern," parent Tim Jordan said.

Many parents in attendance said without the magnet programs, families would leave Olds.

"They believe that Olds can function without being a magnet, but we differ. The base [population] will suffer," said Olds PTA president Rod Hughes-Oliver.

Donna Bailey, president of the University Park Homeowners' Association, representing the neighborhood surrounding Olds, said that before the school was a magnet she chose not to send her daughter there because she didn't think Olds was a good school.

"We really want to keep it a magnet because it's part of the neighborhood," Bailey said.

In the current school year, $12.2 million has been spent on Wake's 35 magnet programs. Much of that money has gone toward extra teachers. Funds are also used for additional training for teachers in the specialized programs.

Wake's spending on magnet programs has drawn a wary eye from school critics.

Fran DeLuca, director of the state chapter of Americans for Prosperity, said the money the district spends on magnet programs could be used to support schools where children are not performing well.

The board is also expected to discuss the status of East Garner, Daniels, Zebulon and East Millbrook middle schools and Broughton and Garner high schools.