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Wake County restart schools credited with gains; 3 cohort-2 schools to reapply, no new restart applications this cycle
Summary
District staff gave an overview of the restart-schools model and said principals using restart flexibilities (lapsed salaries, staffing conversions, extended learning) reported measurable gains. Of 17 cohort-2 schools reviewed, 14 met academic-gain targets for continued authorization, three did not and will be considered for reapplication; the
Wake County Public Schools staff updated the board on the district—s restart-school program and said they will seek continued authorization for cohort-2 schools that met required academic gains while reapplying for three cohort-2 schools that did not meet the target. District staff said they will not submit any new restart applications for this cycle.
The restart model, tied to state law and a 2016 state policy, gives eligible recurring low-performing schools flexibilities including use of lapsed salaries for supplemental supports, ability to convert positions (for example, instructional assistants to interventionists or coaches), supplemental curriculum resources and, in some cases, staffing or calendar flexibilities. District staff said the flexibilities are intended to remove barriers, model innovative practice and increase student achievement.
Two principals whose schools used restart flexibilities described concrete changes and credited them with measurable outcomes. Principal Blake said converting positions and investing in three dedicated instructional coaches for K–5 supported sustained, embedded professional development and "has been a game changer." She said the school accelerated proficiency and raised its growth index after two years of consistent implementation and that the restart flexibilities allowed the school to buy supplemental resources and provide high-dosage tutoring.
Principal Feldman (Dillard Drive) described targeted staffing and materials for math and family-engagement work for multilingual households. Feldman said the school reduced class size in key classes, purchased manipulatives and provided before- and after-school family engagement; he reported the school "met or exceeded growth in all student groups last year." Both principals tied gains to predictable, strategic use of staffing and program flexibilities.
Cohort-2 results and next steps: The district reviewed 17 cohort-2 restart schools; 14 met the academic-gain criteria required for continued authorization, three did not. The area superintendents have developed comprehensive support plans for the three schools that did not meet the target, and staff recommended reapplying for those three with added accountability and supports. The district said six schools are eligible for restart next year (two newly eligible), but after reviewing criteria and targeted supports the district will not submit new applications at this time.
Board discussion: Members asked how restart practices could be shared across the district and whether principals could present results to state legislators; staff said cross-district sharing occurs and that invitations to legislative committees could be pursued. Several board members said they support using restart lessons — particularly in-school coaching — to inform broader improvement work.
What—s next: Staff will continue to support schools that did not meet academic gain with executive-level coaching and targeted interventions, proceed with reapplication planning for the three cohort-2 schools that did not meet targets, and follow the state process for continued authorization.
