Wake County board proclaims September 2025 as National Arts and Education Week

The Wake County Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt a proclamation recognizing September 2025 as National Arts and Education Week.

The proclamation, presented by Jeremy Tucker of academic achievement staff, affirms Wake County Public School Systems (WCPSS) arts education framework and the districts goal of ensuring students have access to dance, music, theater, media arts, literature, design and visual arts. Vice Chair Swanson moved approval; the motion was seconded and carried without opposition.

Why it matters: Board members described arts education as part of a "complete and balanced education" that supports academic skills, creativity and student engagement. The action formalizes the boards support for district efforts to expand arts instruction and extracurricular opportunities.

In presenting the proclamation, Tucker told the board that the arts framework seeks to ensure "equitable access to arts education and extracurricular arts opportunities for all students." He said the proclamation reflects the frameworks vision and urged the board's continued leadership in supporting arts opportunities across the district.

Board members spoke in favor before the vote. Board member Hershey said he "strongly support[s]" the language of the proclamation and called arts a "critical piece" of the districts work. Dr. Wright described art as her own pathway to integration when she arrived in the U.S. as a child. Board member Rice praised Tuckers practice of creating participatory spaces that include students and the board.

The proclamation signals the district will celebrate arts programming during the week and continue implementing the arts education framework the board endorsed in April.

Board action: The board adopted the proclamation by voice vote; the meeting minutes record the action as adopted.