Education TRACKer: Check out the buzz about Wake schools

Changes are afoot in Wake County. Or at least, there will be a lot of talk about changes. If you are interested in hearing what local leaders have to say about Wake County Public Schools or want to offer input, two upcoming May forums give you that opportunity.
The first, held by the Town of Cary, is entitled “Climate for Student Success” and will take place on May 11. The limited seating at the venue will limit involvement from the general public. But because the forum will not have a set agenda, perhaps leaders will have the chance to freely debate issues plaguing area parents. You can read more in The Cary News online at: http://www.carynews.com/front/story/12115.html .
The second forum, held the very next day (May 12) by Wake Up Wake County, is called “Achieving Educational Excellence in Times of Challenge and Change: How should Wake County schools plan for growth and the economic crisis?” You can check it out at: http://wakeupwakecounty.com/cms/educationforum .
The school system does have plenty of challenges and much to change. Realistically, the amount of change possible in a short time seems inversely proportional to the vast size of the school system.
But the forum concept is encouraging—the more public opinions are shared and discussed, the more opportunities there are for change. I’m excited that so many parents are getting involved and pushing for change. From an optimistic perspective, perhaps the economic crisis, new president and (locally) the coming changes in school board members will have an inspirational effect on parents.
So if you have something to share, mark your calendar, do your homework and register your opinion.