Board approves single-track year-round (Track 4) conversion for two northern Wake elementary schools
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Summary
Staff recommended converting North Forest Pines and Pleasant Union to a traditional calendar for 2027-28; the board instead approved a motion to convert both schools to single-track year-round (Track 4), a change board members said preserves choice while achieving the districts sought operational savings.
The Wake County Board of Education on Tuesday approved converting North Forest Pines Elementary and Pleasant Union Elementary to a single-track year-round calendar (Track 4) for the 2027-28 school year after staff had recommended converting both schools to a traditional calendar.
Staff presenter George Carroza (facilities) told the board that calendar conversions are used to address long-term planning and capacity concerns and that operating multi-track year-round schools costs the district additional dollars when the extra seats provided by multitrack calendars are no longer needed in a high-growth area. Carroza said the initial staff recommendation was to move both schools to a traditional calendar.
During public comment earlier in the meeting, multiple parents and staff urged the board to preserve year-round options because of community preference, childcare arrangements and concerns about student stability.
Board member Dr. Ng, the district representative for both schools, moved to amend staffs recommendation, proposing conversion to single-track year-round (Track 4) instead of traditional; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.
Board discussion and staff responses clarified that Track 4 carries the same operating savings as converting to a traditional calendar in the districts financial model.
Why it matters: The decision changes the school calendars for families, staff and child-care providers who currently plan around multitrack schedules. Board members framed the choice as preserving the year-round option that families requested while realizing the districts operational goals.
What was decided: The board approved the motion to convert Pleasant Union and North Forest Pines to single-track year-round (Track 4) instead of the staff-recommended move to a traditional calendar. Staff indicated that a planned future conversion for Oakview Elementary was delayed.
Next steps: Staff will implement the calendar conversion plan, update families and adjust the districts enrollment and capital plans as needed. Carroza said calendar conversions are last-resort options in long-term planning and that someone will be impacted regardless of the decision.
