County commission and school board meets in Wake County
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- The Wake County School Board met Monday morning for the first time with the new Wake County Board of Commissioners.
One of the topics discussed, growth and where to build new schools.
The joint meeting of key Wake County boards had the expected fact and figure presentations, but this time educators and lawmakers seemed united.
Democrats control both bodies now.
"There is a sharing and a common commitment that there are special needs and challenges that we have, and we feel that together we can be more effective," said James West, chair of the Wake County Commissioners.
They agree on the need to prepare for more rapid growth in Wake County.
With the population projected to double within decades, they say schools must be ready.
"We feel the effects of that growth in the school system, and are ready to work with the commissioners, putting out the data, the information that we have, sharing with their staff," said Christine Kushner, chair of the Wake County School Board.
However, new construction and renovation of schools won't come cheap. Asked about future tax increases, Commissioner West said they are a possibility.
"But it will be based on what we need, and then we will take that message to our taxpayers," he added.
One of the first to get that message was new county commissioner Jessica Holmes. Holmes told us, "As a taxpayer, I want to minimize any impact on my own personal property taxes as well as the property taxes of the people I represent. But as the information showed today, growth does not pay for itself."
They'll also have to work with the state legislature, where Republicans are in charge.
