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The merger of the Raleigh City and Wake County
school systems remains one of the most significant
happenings in the history of public education
in North Carolina. Wake County's current prosperity
is due to the leadership of a highly visionary
Board of Education that had the courage to remain
steadfast in the face of strong opposition, and
create a new system that focused on the need of
Wake County's children. The outstanding leadership
of Vernon Malone, the late-Mary Gentry, and the
late-James Atkins should always be valued by Wake
County citizens. Their courage and the courage
of their colleagues built a solid foundation for
Wake County that has endured for the past 25 years,
and will continue to endure for generations to
come.
Dr. John Murphy
Former Superintendent
President Education Partners, LP. (a wholly owned
subsidiary of St. Joe/Arvida)
Boca Raton, FL
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Merging the Raleigh and Wake County school systems
was not an easy thing to do, but it was the right
thing to do. We worked to create a school system
that would serve as a foundation for a proud unified
community, and we succeeded. While many parents
remain somewhat disappointed that some African-American
children have not attained the educational goals
we had hoped for, the community should be extremely
proud that we were able to integrate and merge
the school system in an uncomfortable climate
and we never lost a single day of school because
of violence. Many have devoted their careers and
their lives to helping this system succeed. What
we began 25 years ago has grown into a school
system of more than 120 schools and nearly 100,000
students. Much has been accomplished and there
is more yet to do. My hope is that the efforts
of the past will light the path for those who
are building the next 25 years of Wake County
Public School system's legacy now and into the
future.
Vernon Malone
1976 Board of Education Chair
Member, Wake County Board of Commissioners
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