Board votes 4‑3 to pilot Community Engagement Committee meetings in the community after debate on notice and logistics

The Wake County Board of Education voted 4‑3 on Oct. 7 to move the Community Engagement Committee’s meetings into community venues as a pilot, after a lengthy debate over notice, quorum, costs and logistics.

Board member Tashiva Rice moved that the Community Engagement Committee "transition from our central office into the community of Wake County" and to hold the next committee meeting in a community venue in Roseville at 6–8 p.m. Rice said the goal was to "meet the community where they are" and described plans for community partners, regional spotlights on students and a facilitated "fireside chat" format.

Staff member (22) described the fireside chat format: community members would write questions on index cards; staff and facilitation would vet and present appropriate questions to the board during the meeting so attendees could receive feedback without disrupting committee procedure. "We would give all members of the community who came... the opportunity to ask questions or to receive feedback and engage with the board," the staff presenter said.

Several board members raised process and logistics concerns. Mister Hershey and others asked whether the committee had the authority and sufficient notice to change venue, worried about quorum and about short public notification. Vice Chair Lester Swanson and Miss Gordon argued the pilot should proceed, noting the committee has discussed moving events into the community previously and that several board members and staff were committed to making it work.

After a voice vote indicated a majority, the board took a roll call to confirm the result and the chair announced the roll call showed a 4‑3 vote in favor. The motion carried and the Community Engagement Committee will pilot the off‑site meeting; board members asked staff to confirm streaming/recording plans, costs and details for future committee review.

What’s next: Staff will finalize logistics (streaming and recording, fees, venue partnerships) and report back. Board members requested clearer advance notice for future off‑site meetings and suggested bringing spotlight‑on‑students planning back to a committee or work session for additional review before any district‑wide replacement of current formats.