Board invites input on regrouping
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on June 14, 2016 1:46 PM
The Wayne County Board of Education will hold a special called meeting later this week to broaden the discussion about the proposed school regrouping plan.
The public is invited to the session Thursday at 7 p.m. at Goldsboro High School.
It will feature a brief presentation on the plan, addressing issues at some of the district's low-performing schools, specifically in the central attendance area.
There will also be an opportunity for public comments and questions directed to the schools' administration.
The plan calls for K-2 students to be moved from Carver Heights and School Street elementary schools to North Drive Elementary, with all students from grades 3-5 from North Drive and Dillard Middle schools to relocate to Carver Heights Elementary. School Street would then focus its efforts on expanding pre-K services, making North Drive a K-2 school and Carver Heights concentrating on grades 3-5.
The proposal also addresses efficient use of classroom space and system resources, superintendent Dr. Michael Dunsmore said.
One recommendation made to alleviate overcrowding in Norwayne Middle School was to convert office space at Wayne Middle High Academy. The district's sole alternative school since the board consolidated Belfast and Southern academies in 2009 would revert back to its original purpose as a middle school.
The plan was first made public during a called meeting of the board May 15. When presented at the June 6 board meeting, the vote to move ahead with the changes in the fall failed to pass, prompting the public meeting to allow community members and stakeholders to weigh in.
A second special called meeting of the board will also be held on Friday morning, at 9 a.m. at the administrative offices on Royall Avenue. After a closed session, the board is expected to meet in open session to consider and take any necessary action on the regrouping plan.