Wake Forest board adopts resolution to maintain and expand arts education

The Wake Forest Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution on a motion to support arts education and to maintain and grow arts programming in the 2025–26 school year.

The resolution recognizes the value of dance, media arts, music, theater and visual arts taught by certified educators in partnership with community providers and cites the Every Student Succeeds Act and state law in describing arts education as part of a well-rounded education. The resolution was read into the record by Mayor Vivian A. Jones and was recorded as “duly adopted” in the meeting materials; no roll-call vote count was specified in the public transcript.

Local teachers and arts partners spoke in favor of the resolution at the meeting. Maggie Byron, art teacher at North Wake College and Career Academy, described longstanding partnerships between her school and the Renaissance Center that have brought field trips, student representation in local shows, volunteer opportunities and support for student contests. Sarah Roberts, an art teacher at Wake Forest High School, described grants and materials donated through the Renaissance Center that helped students who could not afford basic supplies and noted the community art show that displays work from kindergarten through 12th grade each spring. April, identified as arts coordinator at the Renaissance Center, described theater and workshop offerings that engage youth through adult programs and summer camps.

Speakers said the Renaissance Center and other local cultural groups have provided grants, supplies and exhibition or performance opportunities that supplement school budgets and expand student access to arts learning. The resolution’s text directs the town to “maintain and grow our arts education program in the 2025–26 school year.” The board recorded the resolution as adopted on the meeting agenda and minutes; funding or specific implementation steps were not specified during the discussion.

The board did not attach new budget allocations or an implementation schedule during the meeting; staff follow-up would be required if the town intends to allocate funds, formalize partnerships, or add staff positions tied to the resolution.