Tata to Release Student Assignment Plan Options by Mid-May

Wake schools Superintendent Tony Tata Friday explained the schedule for developing a new comprehensive student assignment plan. He said that he and his six-member student assignment task force have been reviewing research and policies in “a couple dozen” similar districts around the country. Using 18 separate criteria, they have developed nine options.

A Cleanup of Historical Proportions

Nearly two weeks after the EF3 tornado tore through Raleigh, several area organizations are keeping tabs on the integrity of Raleigh’s cultural touchstones in an effort to preserve history for generations to come. A complete survey of damaged historic property has yet to be compiled, but the devastation is clear.

Census Count Shuffles School Board Districts

Wake County’s huge population growth during the last decade posed a challenge for the law firm in charge of drawing a new districts map. The number of residents in the county flew from 627,846 in the year 2000 to 900,993 in 2010 — an increase of 43.5 percent. The U.S. Constitution requires redistricting every 10 years after the census. Districts within each governing body should be more or less equal with a 5-percent deviation up or down.

Job Cuts Ahead for Wake Schools

The Wake County Board of Education Tuesday continued its review of Superintendent Tony Tata’s proposed budget — now considering the General Assembly’s potential deep cuts to education. Officials say it’s only the beginning; traditionally, the State Senate proposes a stricter budget than the House.

McFarlane to Run For Mayor

City Councilwoman Nancy McFarlane announced Wednesday she will run for mayor this fall. The announcement comes one day after Mayor Charles Meeker said he plans not to run for a sixth term. She has served on the Council as representative of District A since 2007.