[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6537981,"mediaKeyId","3410570-936d7dbcf6067879983986745a163dab","parentId",3410570,"title","Wake County board approves five-year memorandum of agreement with Shaw University for Wake Young Leadership Academies","audioSeconds",756,"startMs",1698000,"endMs",2454000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3410570-936d7dbcf6067879983986745a163dab&start=1698&end=2454","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3410570-936d7dbcf6067879983986745a163dab/thumbnail_1698000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6537981/North-Carolina/Wake-County-board-approves-five-year-memorandum-of-agreement-with-Shaw-University-for-Wake-Young-Leadership-Academies","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6537981-395257b5a3866b78cc7c9755e3bc6f0f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771084320&Signature=ARIz33OShCHfo1q1YR7sV3evTRohZWE68BB51r5Y1keoU5OkIM5fJZY24xOJu-3YJ8nPmOxWtvXoWkswpUDexnCyLQLcZxtprtyKkNYf5YrU2NqspU-XofOssM-SnepwHFp1T2hz3~ZaGO6wLQSAJUpYT3DtJ-K1Lba0ZVV0rJjsCm03NafySz0zLCG1-3J518WLf1MjON8XyECvHMnsVzH15Lkih~igpx7TLjeUBfnPFGXnb1TITbKtbNP9hHcAS7EaF0EcTglvaz~MNSeq9RJv8BK5ctnhLdMZN2v4HN5141sJ62p5WfqGK25yXUpDoOlg53VL7AG8BkDjYLZXmg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Wake County Schools","date","2025-05-20T00:00:00Z","article","The Wake County Board of Education voted to approve a five-year memorandum of agreement with Shaw University to allow students at the Wake Young Men's Leadership Academy and Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy to take college-level courses on Shaw's campus beginning in the fall of 2025.

The agreement, presented by Area Superintendent Cedric Williams, formalizes dual-enrollment opportunities for students in grades 11 through 13 and includes access to four dedicated classrooms, science labs, the library, gymnasium and cafeteria on Shaw's campus. Williams said tuition and technology fees for dual enrollment will be covered by state funding from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and General Assembly appropriations, while Wake County will provide transportation, meals and staffing for Wake County Public School classes.

Board members said the partnership expands postsecondary opportunities for accelerated students at the academies. Board member Sam Hershey moved approval; Ms. Gordon seconded the motion. After brief remarks of thanks from multiple board members and Shaw University President Paulette Dillard, Chair Haggerty called for the vote; the motion carried and the board approved the agreement.

Why it matters: The collaboration creates a structured dual-enrollment pathway and a Shaw-developed leadership course planned to begin in fall 2026. Williams said the memorandum will include a dedicated university liaison to support scheduling and student success and a modified academic calendar that aligns the academies with Shaw's schedule.

What board members said: Board member Mahaffey thanked Wake Tech and parents for earlier roles supporting the academies and said the agreement represented a major opportunity for families. Board member Evans and others praised the work of district staff and Shaw's commitment during the transition.

What the agreement includes (as described in meeting): a five-year MOA with annual renewals; dual-enrollment for grades 11'0; access to campus facilities; priority course registration; a Shaw-developed leadership course beginning fall 2026; a dedicated liaison; and state-covered tuition/fees with district-provided transportation, meals and staffing.

Next steps: With board approval the district and Shaw will finalize implementation details so students may begin courses on the Shaw campus in fall 2025.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025-05-20 Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Wake County Board of Education voted to approve a five-year memorandum of agreement with Shaw University to allow Wake Young Men's and Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy students to take college-level classes on the university campus beginning in fall 2025.","taxTitle","Wake County Schools, School Districts, North Carolina","taxId",14083,"location","North Carolina","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6537966,"Public splits over Freedom to Read grant and library materials as consent agenda passes 5-2",1780,4135000,5915000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3410570-936d7dbcf6067879983986745a163dab&start=4135&end=5915","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3410570-936d7dbcf6067879983986745a163dab/thumbnail_4135000.jpg","/articles/6537966/North-Carolina/Public-splits-over-Freedom-to-Read-grant-and-library-materials-as-consent-agenda-passes-5-2","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6537966-3ce14c01dd87255a07a48a9d4769ed61/orig.mp4?Expires=1771084320&Signature=nvFRqPqlkVUtt811YXb12Wr5X-gs53YHObl1ihkG2lQLU65c5Iw8quUY31ho3-MtMYQVBxzVnNW3hEo3ObHY01T-0wSkiLqD9cYik4qOPlF9wHtXyJXIWtYarhoZQK7IMG7GgzPmhO-b8pjQPzQWa9ioeHBq3JA0o4zQSt2qJLcUH1z9HkxRm4xBA~-9SmWElzjgCDbZplfgX~mcjm64O6TtJKQ8UPNHwXk6dIdzrWMtGdtkPhMvFmMrjC24jLRfqjTdvWPUk2CgdJxI8k~NW0ITbBz~7HapvmR~bzwtRMHIYer08QyV7fjaVOQq1KFpvnsAgCrjVemV7XWYryJ1Sw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the public and advocacy groups urged the Wake County Board of Education to either accept or reject a proposed Freedom to Read Foundation grant and debated broader concerns about library materials and book challenges during public comment. The board subsequently approved the consent agenda, which included the grant, by a 5-2 vote.

Supporters of the grant, including parent Margaret Bilodeau, said the funding would support student- and community-facing activities during Banned Books Week and help defend students' access to literature that reflects diverse experiences. Bilodeau urged the board to pursue grants that support diversity, equity and inclusion work and to use the funding for community reading events and student-led programs.

Speakers opposing the grant and some library materials urged the board to block the grant and argued that certain books contain explicit content they considered inappropriate for school libraries. Several speakers referenced pending state legislation (House Bill 636) and North Carolina General Statute 14-190.13 as relevant to obscenity and school materials, and urged the board to remove books they characterized as pornographic. Some speakers also recommended the district avoid accepting funds from the American Library Association Foundation.

Board action: After the public-comment period the board took up the consent agenda. Board Chair Haggerty called for a motion to approve the consent agenda. The motion passed; the chair tallied the vote as five in favor and two opposed.

Why it matters: The exchange reflects continuing community division over library material challenges and whether external grants related to library programs are appropriate. The board did not vote separately on the grant at the meeting; it was part of the approved consent agenda.

What remains unresolved: Multiple speakers asked the board to show the specific books and materials associated with the grant request and asked for a clearer process for public review. Board members who opposed the consent item said they will continue to press for clarity on selection criteria and parental notification.

","Public commenters urged the board both to accept a Freedom to Read Foundation grant and to reject it; the board approved the consent agenda (which included the grant) by a 5-2 margin after debate in public comment",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6537971,"Students press board for HVAC fixes and Green New Deal-style investments after frequent classroom temperature problems",674,3397000,4071000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3410570-936d7dbcf6067879983986745a163dab&start=3397&end=4071","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3410570-936d7dbcf6067879983986745a163dab/thumbnail_3397000.jpg","/articles/6537971/North-Carolina/Students-press-board-for-HVAC-fixes-and-Green-New-Deal-style-investments-after-frequent-classroom-temperature-problems","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6537971-5b87f60f43077fab3f0bf5e69bcb22c9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771084320&Signature=fU4wDgiLXo43OdvnDacaZ7~tfx4F82rWoa759M4x6oAAIr9swPuZEW7kxV-FmprENPECUGb6UNBhNbL6cAPHdIcOWGi~17syGFV-Yxp3LLKwWOfw5Ev54vP~Pso2kITva5kGIGVEucQWxzF0TotGlyqZCmPYgJEvpB6gRBLNRrXvY6tMiz-R4yVZ~1Kaa2QDfIPQelFCQFkxIemmjXKVAE1NygaYXbPfS6PwpTiCHm0dAx49ijxeqJOwQ1oJoqFC7aTWcmwDeCM2w3uwgkSKgRRdrL59Qe5OGk-vLJ2a4XClTJPNm0miEKYTQaGzKBVbxzHZS~CpiSjkB91ZTB2GHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Students and community advocates urged the Wake County Board of Education to move beyond a state-funded HVAC study and toward concrete upgrades after multiple students described classrooms so hot or cold that instruction was disrupted.

Panther Creek High students described repeated experiences of classrooms that were unbearably hot in some wings and freezing in others, with students regularly relocated to alternative spaces so learning could continue. Students said teachers have missed class due to heat-related illness and reported learning time lost during AP exam preparation because of HVAC failures in modular classrooms.

Student speakers also highlighted a larger sustainability agenda. Katie Witkin of the Sunrise Movement's local chapter and other student advocates pressed for a Green New Deal for Schools approach that would pair HVAC upgrades with clean energy and climate resilience measures. Several students noted that the North Carolina House budget proposal includes funding for Wake County Public School System to study high-efficiency next-generation HVAC systems; speakers said that was an important step but urged that the study be the start of funded action, not the final word.

Why it matters: Board members and staff acknowledged the problem and said the state study shows official recognition of building-system needs. Students and advocates framed the issue as equity and health: temperature instability affects concentration, attendance and teachers' ability to deliver instruction, and modular buildings were repeatedly cited as particularly vulnerable.

What was said: Students described days of moving between classrooms, use of fans that did not help, and health consequences for students with preexisting conditions. Speakers urged the board to use state study funding to pursue full upgrades, not just analysis. Sunrise Movement and student representatives said upgrades should be paired with a larger clean-energy plan for schools.

Next steps: The board and staff acknowledged the state funding for a study; students asked for a clear commitment that study findings would lead to prioritized, funded upgrades. No formal district action was taken at the meeting; staff noted the study language in the state budget but did not cite a dollar amount at the meeting.","Multiple students testified about extreme classroom temperature swings at Panther Creek and other schools; speakers and community groups urged the board to convert the state's HVAC study funding into concrete upgrades and adopt a broader Green New Deal for Schools framework",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6537976,"Board approves first reading of district policy limiting student use of personal wireless devices, debate centers on enforcement and consistency",3139,5851000,8990000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3410570-936d7dbcf6067879983986745a163dab&start=5851&end=8990","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3410570-936d7dbcf6067879983986745a163dab/thumbnail_5851000.jpg","/articles/6537976/North-Carolina/Board-approves-first-reading-of-district-policy-limiting-student-use-of-personal-wireless-devices-debate-centers-on-enforcement-and-consistency","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6537976-0ec7287849b77d1a3e0c46de76abc378/orig.mp4?Expires=1771084320&Signature=oAi09UbUrnViKfQvsdlgXl91KfPlNYjWJJ00Wk8GTYBXtN~KhoyG2HwTqr1OXYYIXmJg~8BrAvYfXMoSWoDUoJT4eViTBvTkZvQqRBQJMJfPsRP-2G9ZeXHZckApNV5Y9Co2ilq7m8nGlFYSztZbXLfceVksRR7bp~NtCBivWIZjzFdtXRUuHn2FrfhYp8FrjHGpBdqw9sQhqruGLhODYmytS--QOXA-n2lSLxqUJ1ffOSEb9CvHyh-ln6q3e8YjPi72vKF16tFEO7vQY62POyHBqmwdfDru9E~NDCwSD2hhme~bUkxJWEuNXmmQWoIxwmVgK6qFy9-tsMY8SEVmbg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Wake County Board of Education approved first reading of a new policy (4.3.18) restricting student use of personal wireless communication devices after a multi-hour discussion that highlighted disagreements over enforcement details, districtwide consistency and accommodations.

Dr. Julie Crane presented the draft policy, noting it incorporates changes since the April 29 policy committee meeting and reflects feedback from a district survey with 21,655 participants (14,553 students, 5,607 family members and 1,595 staff), 473 focus-group participants and more than 150 board advisory council attendees. The draft addresses smartwatches (staff recommended smartwatches be in airplane mode), authorized use, and consequences for unauthorized use; school leaders requested flexibility on whether the restriction is enforced from the time students exit buses/carpools or from bell-to-bell.

Board members debated multiple points. Several members urged a districtwide baseline to avoid inconsistent rules across schools; others supported limited flexibility for high schools. A recurring concern was confiscation and how to enforce the policy without creating confrontations or liability for lost/damaged devices. Board members cited alternatives used in other districts, including desk pouches or wall-mounted containers to store devices during class time. Assistant Superintendent and Dr. Taylor estimated a district-wide rollout of classroom pouches could cost roughly $150,000 depending on scope, and noted the goal is implementation for the 2025-26 school year (year-round calendar schools begin July 7, 2025) with a second reading scheduled for the board's June meeting.

The board also discussed smartwatch connectivity and recommended clearer language rather than simply requiring airplane mode, because airplane mode may still allow some local connections; some board members asked that the policy specify disabling active cellular or internet connections during restricted times. Accommodations for students with Individualized Education Programs, Section 504 plans or individual health plans were raised by Vice Chair Swanson; staff said standard processes exist for recording accommodations and agreed to provide details to the board.

A motion from Board Member Mahaffey to approve first reading, with final edits to be incorporated by second reading, was seconded by Sam Hershey. The board voted to approve first reading; the board directed staff to continue refining the policy for second reading on June 3.

Why it matters: The policy is intended to reduce distraction and support classroom instruction across the district. Implementation choices (districtwide bell-to-bell baseline vs. school-level variation, confiscation procedures, medical accommodations and the hardware used to store devices) will affect teachers, students and families and were the main focus of the debate.

What remains unresolved: exact language on allowed use windows (bell-to-bell vs. school-defined), the final approach to confiscation (teacher-collected phones vs. storage pouches), whether the policy will require devices off the student's person, and standardized procedures for medical accommodations. Staff said revisions will be provided before second reading.

","The Wake County Board of Education approved first reading for new policy 4.3.18 restricting student use of personal wireless communication devices; discussion focused on districtwide consistency, confiscation/enforcement, smartwatch/airplane-mode language, and accommodations for medical/IEP needs","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Wake County board approves five-year memorandum of agreement with Shaw University for Wake Young Leadership Academies

Public splits over Freedom to Read grant and library materials as consent agenda passes 5-2

Students press board for HVAC fixes and Green New Deal-style investments after frequent classroom temperature problems

Board approves first reading of district policy limiting student use of personal wireless devices, debate centers on enforcement and consistency