Wake County school board to consider moving 2 schools to traditional calendar

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A pivotal meeting Tuesday will determine the future of two Wake County schools.

Board members are considering transitioning North Forest Pines Elementary and Pleasant Union Elementary from a year-round schedule to a traditional calendar. District officials argue the move will save money and reduce operational costs.

Parents are voicing concerns.

Through meetings and surveys, parents have stated that the year-round schedule better supports work-life balance, provides stronger support for students with special needs, and reduces summer learning loss. Many parents also emphasized that the frequent breaks in a year-round schedule help prevent student burnout.

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The district, however, contends that the year-round schedule consumes resources and increasing costs at a time when enrollment is declining.

If these changes are approved, they will take effect beginning with the 2027 school year.

Ahead of the school board meeting, leaders will present the first draft of the school enrollment plan. This includes recommendations for one new school, Hilltop Needmore Elementary in Fuquay-Varina, an area in the southern part of the county that continues to experience growth.

The meeting is set for 5:30 p.m., with the work session starting at 3:30 p.m.

ABC11's Jamiese Price and Tamara Scott contributed to this report.

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