PLAN 2000 Mid-Program Update
Letter from the Superintendent

October 2002


Dear Wake County citizen,
Nearly two years ago, you expressed your support for the children of this community and the Wake County Public School System by voting for our $550 million school building program entitled PLAN 2000. For your support at that time, and your continuing support of public education here in Wake County, we all thank you.

When we came to you that fall, we described leaky roofs, warped floors, faulty heating and air conditioning systems and crowded make-shift classrooms as just a few of the problems that distract our children from learning. The input we received from you, the community helped us shape a viable solution. PLAN 2000 was created from the hard work and dedication of the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), teachers, principals and above all parents.

PLAN 2000 will add 14 new schools and renovate or expand 96 existing ones by 2004/2005. By improving teaching and learning conditions, the building program brings us a giant leap closer to academic excellence for all of our students.

As we approach the midpoint of PLAN 2000, I want to update you on our progress towards addressing the severe overcrowding and long overdue maintenance facing our schools.

New Schools

Major Improvement Projects

Systemwide Projects

· 4 complete

· 3 complete

· 19 complete

· 5 under construction

· 17 under construction

· 26 in progress

· 5 in design

· 13 in design

 

Although the new schools will ease existing overcrowding by adding approximately 11,000 classroom seats, we continue to add almost 4,000 new students each year. This growth is a testament to the Triangle being a great place to live, work, and learn. But, with this growth come certain demands, such as quality facilities and an adequate number of classroom seats. As a public school system, it is our duty to educate all students who enter our doors.

To prepare for this continued growth, WCPSS has started planning for another school building program, PLAN 2004. In mid-March, the Facilities Department asked all principals to work with their PTAs, staff, and other stakeholders to develop and submit a list of school needs by May. The department is also preparing a survey to gather input from municipalities and special interest groups. Facilities staff will review school needs with stakeholders this fall and a bond referendum will probably go before the voters in November 2003.

As we enter the second half of PLAN 2000 and prepare for the new children who will learn in our classrooms, I ask for your continued support and involvement. Thank you for taking an active interest in your community's future.

Bill McNeal
Superintendent