The News & Observer quickly came to the defense of the Wake County public school establishment today, in light of heated criticism the district was facing over school cancellations. Parents are justifiably upset that the entire 160,000 student district shuts down when only part of the district faces dangerous road conditions. For instance, southern parts of the county had bone-dry roads this morning, yet students sit home because the entire district is shut down because northern parts of the county may still have slick roads. Breaking up the district into smaller districts would help solve this problem, many parents pointed out.
In response to parents’ complaints, WCPSS decided to respond to reasonable concerns about unnecessary school closings by lecturing about the value of “diversity.”
The N&O today echoed that sentiment, but in the process revealed some blatant contradictions.
The merger (between Raleigh City and Wake County schools) created a school system praised for the quality and the diversity of its schools. That helped make Wake County one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation and contributed to its towns and cities landing spots on best-places-to-live lists.
Now the merger’s momentum is beginning to fade and segregation is beginning to reemerge. Competition from 24 Wake County charter schools, more private schools and home schooling has slowed the school system’s once roaring growth.
If the merger resulted in such praise-worthy schools, why are families choosing non-traditional choices like charters, private and homeschooling in such rapidly rising numbers?
The N&O editors can’t be bothered to ask.
