WCPSS touts gains at 'State of Schools' as funding fights loom
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolina's largest school district highlighted recent academic gains Friday while warning of financial uncertainty ahead, as Wake County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor delivered his State of the Schools address.
The address came as the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) faces scrutiny about a proposed budget that includes potential cuts to special education programming and lingering questions about funding from state lawmakers.
Taylor pointed to several indicators of progress across the district during his remarks. Graduation rates remain among the highest in North Carolina, with the Class of 2025 four-year graduation rate at roughly 90%.
Academic proficiency increased for a third consecutive year. More than half of Wake County schools earned an A or B performance grade.
The district also reported gains in specific subjects. Elementary and middle school math proficiency rose 1.2%, high school Math 3 scores increased by more than seven points, and Grade 4 reading scores rose 2.9 points.
The number of schools receiving an F grade dropped to just two. District leaders said that it is the lowest total since before the pandemic.
"Part of our responsibility is to educate children to live in a world that they will occupy," Taylor said.
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Before the speech, Taylor sat down for a one-on-one interview with ABC11 to discuss district priorities and looming challenges.
He highlighted the need to address aging school facilities across Wake County, which could be addressed in a bond referendum vote in November.
"We're at a point where we've got to address some serious deferred maintenance in those buildings. And so that's what we want to be able to focus on, what we hope will be a bond that will be on the November ballot," Taylor said. "It is clearly about making sure we maintain buildings, which they know need that support, in order to be viable for several decades."
The district's proposed budget sparked teacher protests earlier in the week. The proposal includes a potential $18 million reduction in special education programming next year.
Taylor said such cuts could increase caseloads for special education teachers, though he noted those levels would remain below state guidelines.
"If you're an elementary teacher, you have a caseload of around 20; we're going to increase that to 25. The state says that that caseload should be at about 35, and so we're still well below what the state provides," Taylor said.
Taylor also addressed concerns from parents about how the proposed changes could affect students who rely on special education services.
"Services are not going to change our support for those children. Is not going to change. If your kid is in a regional program, they will see zero change. What we're talking about is making an adjustment and allotments of about 130 positions for teachers that provide push and support," Taylor said.
Much of the district's financial uncertainty stems from the lack of a state budget. More than half of Wake County's funding came from the state last year.
Taylor said the district is developing its budget without clarity from lawmakers in Raleigh.
"The message is pass a budget," Taylor said. "When they pass that budget, we want them to think about education and the investments that are needed."
Taylor said those investments are especially needed for teacher pay and special education programming. He said the need extends beyond Wake County to school districts across North Carolina.
