Wake school district reviews safety data, expands non‑transport zones
CARY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Wake County school leaders are weighing potential changes to campus safety and student transportation as the district prepares for the upcoming school year.
During a recent discussion on student safety, the Wake County school board reviewed new survey data showing most students feel secure on campus, but are less likely to report concerns to school officials.
According to the district, 82% of students said they generally feel safe at school. 78% reported they would share a concern with friends, family or an adult outside of school, while 64% said they were likely to report a safety issue at school.
The survey also found that 29% of students were likely to use the district's tip line.
Students expressed interest in strengthening existing security measures and identified staff monitoring and locked external doors as top priorities.
They also cited drugs and alcohol, along with aggressive behavior, as key areas needing improvement.
Wake County School Board Chair Tyler Swanson said some changes could be implemented before classes begin.
"That is always the goal. I think staff has done a great job of being open and listening to our stakeholders and figure out what we can do to bring those changes every school year," Swanson said.
The board is also confronting a bus driver shortage that could affect families across the district. Officials said Wake County plans to bring in multiple vendors to help transport students with disabilities, while some other students will need to find their own way to school.
The district is proposing nine additional schools for its "nontransportation zone," meaning students who live within a set distance would no longer qualify for bus service.
"Right now 140 schools have NTZs," a district employee said during a meeting.
The list includes Moore Square Magnet Middle School in downtown Raleigh and Stough Elementary in west Raleigh.
A district presentation showed Wake County needs 32 more full-time bus drivers to cover all 565 routes. Swanson said hiring remains difficult.
"Recruitment for bus drivers is tough. Compensation goes into that," he said. He added that the district has made progress but still faces challenges. "We have taken great strides to recruit and retain bus drivers, but there's always more work that can be done."
District officials said 56 people have signed up for the next training class to become bus drivers, though it could take up to six weeks before they are ready to begin work.
The school board is expected to continue discussions on safety and transportation as the new school year approaches.
