‘We have the plan. Let’s ... go make history.’ What new Wake superintendent wants to do

New Wake County Superintendent Robert Taylor promises that changes are coming to help promote equity and school safety and to retain staff members during a politically charged environment.

Taylor gave a report on his first 100 days as superintendent during a presentation Thursday filled with student performances at Broughton High School’s Holliday Gym in Raleigh. He said his first 100 days showed that Wake is doing well serving most students but that changes are needed to make it a more equitable environment.

“We are ready to push for the summit,” Taylor told the audience. “This is going to require changes to how we operate. Please keep an open mind and dare I say a growth mindset as we implement new approaches to teaching, as well as adjustments to our organizational structure. Remember, change is hard.”

But Taylor told district employees that changes would be made collaboratively and not done in an arbitrary way. He cited how they’ll launch an all-district staff survey in the spring to get feedback.

Taylor also said that a market study will be done to examine employee pay. The district is dealing with large staff shortages in some areas, such as bus drivers and special-education instructional assistants.

Listening to the community

Taylor started as superintendent in October. He announced his plan to meet with groups across the district during his first 100 days.

Taylor’s brief tenure has been dominated by the fatal stabbing of a student at Southeast Raleigh High School on Nov. 27. That has led to calls for a review of Wake’s security procedures.

During his talks with the community, Taylor said he came away with five highlights:

▪ Wake puts students first.

▪ Wake offers variety through schools that provide students with programs that align with their abilities and interests.

▪ Wake has great people in its employees.

▪ Wake is laser focused on equity.

▪ Wake has a committed community.

Creating more equitable schools

Taylor said that the community told him that Wake must do more to provide equitable instruction and an equitable curriculum to eliminate disparities. Among the areas Taylor said leaders will focus on are:

▪ Provide culturally responsive resources for teachers.

▪ Eliminate disproportionate discipline referrals and absences.

▪ Ensure that all students will have access to appropriate levels of academic rigor and support.

As part of the effort to achieve excellence and equity, Taylor said the community wants Wake to reexamine its organizational structure. This reexamination will include looking at how to provide more resources to the highest-needs schools, he said.

Taylor said the district’s equity policy and strategic plan give them a good place to start.

“Thanks to the leadership of our school board and its equity policy, it’s one of the nation’s premier examples of working to make equity an action and an outcome for all students,” Taylor said.

Creating a safe school environment

There’s a debate among parents about what’s the best way to make schools safer. But Taylor said there’s consensus about the need to strengthen security and mental health services.

“You made clear that we must continuously enhance the way we support and protect the physical and mental well being of students,” Taylor said. “All of our schools should provide a safe, inclusive learning environment that is responsive to both behavioral health needs and promotes a sense of belonging.”

Students appreciate the additional counselors, social workers and psychologists that are now in schools, according to Taylor..

Taylor promised that safety will be a top concern as long as he’s superintendent.

Advocates in the community

Taylor urged the community to maintain its commitment to schools, including volunteering and becoming advocates for public education.

“There are those who would prefer that we have fewer resources with more restrictions about what we teach and how we teach,” Taylor said. “I ask our community to advocate for increased financial and political support for public education.”

Wake is already “second to none” as a school district, Taylor said. Now he said he’s more convinced that Wake can reach the next level of national excellence.

“We have the plan,” Taylor said. “We have the people. We have the will. Let’s together go make history.”

This story was originally published January 26, 2024 at 10:08 AM.

T. Keung Hui

The News & Observer

919-829-4534

T. Keung Hui has covered K-12 education for the News & Observer since 1999, helping parents, students, school employees and the community understand the vital role education plays in North Carolina. His primary focus is Wake County, but he also covers statewide education issues.