Wake County Board of Education staff kick off 2026–27 student assignment planning; Hilltop Meadmore opening highlighted

Wake County Public Schools staff on Tuesday, May 6 opened the official planning cycle for the 2026–27 student assignment plan, telling the Wake County Board of Education that sustained enrollment growth, projected crowding in parts of the district and the opening of a new elementary school will be central to staff recommendations.

Ms. Coley, a staff member with Wake County Public Schools, told the board, "This is your official kickoff," and said staff will recommend categories and topics to address in the plan rather than specific attendance-area lines at this stage. She told the board the enrollment forecast that launched the process projects about 62,420 students for the 2025–26 school year, "over 1,000 additional students beyond what we're servicing today."

The plan matters because staff must use the enrollment and spatial forecasts to balance student achievement, stability, proximity and operational efficiency — the four pillars embedded in Policy 41-50 that guide assignment decisions. "We are still a growing district," Coley said, urging the board to consider where growth is concentrated and the capacity available from new construction and…