Community Voices Push for Change at Board of Education Meeting
Key issues discussed included cell phone policies, sustainability initiatives, access to school meals, and inclusivity in education. Speakers emphasized the urgent need for action.
Holly Springs, NC, Jan. 21, 2025 — During tonight’s Wake County Board of Education meeting, the public comments period showcased many concerns from students, parents, and community members. Key issues discussed included cell phone policies, sustainability initiatives, access to school meals, and inclusivity in education. Speakers emphasized the urgent need for action, with many presenting specific proposals for improvement.
One high school speaker described how cell phones in the classroom have disrupted the learning environment. “A teacher lectures and pours their utmost dedication into teaching a student, only for their words to fall on deaf ears, with the student’s attention not focused on the material, but rather on social media like Instagram or even games,” they said. Another speaker stressed the addictive nature of cell phones, particularly for teenagers, while advocating for policies to be set at the school level to allow flexibility. “Principals, teachers, other faculty, students, and parents all know exactly what our schools struggle with and how phones are a factor,” they explained.
Sustainability also took center stage, with multiple speakers urging the board to implement a Green New Deal for schools. Proposals included transitioning to electric school buses, using renewable energy sources like solar panels, and decarbonizing school buildings. One speaker pointed to successful examples in other districts, “Durham Public Schools has added 38 electric school buses and committed to renewable energy projects. If they can do it, so can Wake County.” Another highlighted the long-term benefits, “Renewable energy projects can reduce energy costs and save money over time.”
The issue of food insecurity was raised by a senior advocating for free and healthy lunches for all students. Citing research, they explained, “Consistent access to a nutritious meal can improve cognitive performance and memory retention by up to 20%.” The speaker also emphasized the equity aspect of the proposal, arguing that universal meal programs would remove barriers associated with income-based eligibility and ensure all students have access to proper nutrition. “This policy isn’t just about free food, it’s about equity, sustainability, and supporting students so that they can achieve their potential,” they said.
Inclusivity for bilingual students and those with disabilities was another focal point of the comments. One speaker proposed translating educational materials into Spanish and Mandarin to support students with limited English proficiency. “Traditional materials become barriers rather than bridges of knowledge,” they said. A parent of a student with disabilities described challenges navigating the magnet school system, calling for greater transparency and inclusion. “When schools fail to accommodate us, it sends a clear and painful message: you don’t belong here,” the parent shared. They urged the board to create pathways for families of students with disabilities to access resources and support.
Another speaker expressed concerns about disparities in academic performance across demographic groups, highlighting the importance of raising achievement levels for all students. “The fact that the Asian kids do so well shows that there is nothing wrong with the tests,” they said. “A more meaningful goal would be to get the performance of 90% of students up to college or workforce readiness.”
The public comments period concluded with a strong call for collaboration between the community and the school board to address these pressing issues. “We have the power to lead and to make a difference, but the time to act is now,” a speaker emphasized. The diverse voices reflected the community’s commitment to improving educational opportunities for all students.