Wake Schools Close Ahead of Teacher Rally
Cary, NC – Schools across Wake County, including schools in Cary, will close on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 as thousands of teachers say they are attending a rally at the General Assembly. Read more
Education: Bill Fletcher 2018 May Newsletter
Cary, NC – Thoughts for May 2018 from Bill Fletcher, Member of the Wake County Board of Education.
Chronic Underfunding of Our Schools has been Exposed!
Your Board of Education made a profound statement when it adopted the superintendent’s recommended budget as the Board’s Proposed Budget for 2018-19. The Board will request $58.9 million in additional, recurring local funding to meet the reduced class size mandate, open new schools, protect principal pay, expand counselor support for students, recruit and train new academic teachers, maintain excellent services to students with special needs and expand services for AIG students.
Cary Photographic Artists Founder Honored with Plaque
Cary, NC – Only two Cary artists are remembered with plaques in the artist’s circle in front of the Cary Arts Center. This Thursday, April 26, 2018, that second plaque was unveiled as Bobbi Hopp was honored for her service to the Cary arts community. Read more
West Cary Color Run Aims to Fundraise for School Technology
Cary, NC – Last year, West Cary Middle School raised more than $3,000 for technology with its first ever Color Run. Now the PTA is bringing this fundraiser back with a goal of bringing in even more participants. Read more
Green Hope Ranked as Top Fall Athletic Program Nationwide
Cary, NC – With three different state championship wins last season, among other accolades, Green Hope High School won the MaxPreps Cup for Fall Sports, beating out high schools from across the country. Read more
Education: Bill Fletcher 2018 April Newsletter
Wake County, NC – Thoughts for April 2018 from Bill Fletcher, Member of the Wake County Board of Education.
Joint Meetings with Commissioners Open Constructive Dialog…
…even when conversations include comments like “we only have $xxx available for the schools.” NC has an unusual school funding system. School Boards have no taxing authority. Primary operational funding responsibility rests with the State. Counties pay for construction. When the local community demands better services than the State is willing to fund, counties supplement operational funding. That is the basis for the annual negotiation between the Wake boards of education and commissioners.
Cary Theater Creating Movie Screening for Children with Autism
Cary, NC – Going to the movie theater is a popular form of entertainment but for people with autism or other sensitivities to unfamiliar environments, it can be difficult. The Cary Theater is working on pilot programs for screenings specifically geared toward these citizens’ sensory needs. Read more
Cary High Students Earn Scholarships in Culinary Competition
Cary, NC – Students in ProStart programs across North Carolina learn about preparing food and working in the culinary industry. But five Cary students recently took that to the next level, winning third place in a statewide culinary competition and earning scholarships for themselves. Read more
Education: Bill Fletcher 2018 March Newsletter
Wake County, NC – Thoughts for March 2018 from Bill Fletcher, Member of the Wake County Board of Education.
Legislature Eases Class Size Mandate Timetable
Members of the NC Senate finally responded to thousands of parent and teacher requests to phase in the reduction of class sizes in grades K-3. They also began allocating specific funding for classes such as art, music and PE. The legislation is a little like novacain – it postpones the pain for now. This action clarifies the near term financial challenges as Wake builds its next operating budget. The need for additional classrooms remains a burden on local property tax payers. Let me say thank you who took the time to speak with your legislator. Now reach out again and say “Thanks”!
Cary Parents Organizing for New Wake School Security
Cary, NC – In response to the mass shooting at a Florida high school in February, a group of Cary parents has begun pushing for new locking mechanisms to be added to Wake County schools with support steadily growing. Read more