Wake voters to choose four school board members and decide on $680M bond

Wake County voters are set to elect four members to the nine-person Wake County Board of Education this fall, with eleven candidates running for the seats, WRAL reported. Two current board members are not seeking reelection, ensuring at least two new faces on the board. The board oversees the superintendent, sets policies, and manages the school district's budget, which exceeds $2.2 billion.

In addition to the school board elections, Wake County voters will decide on a $680 million bond proposal aimed primarily at renovating and equipping existing schools rather than building new ones, WRAL reported. The bond would be funded by a dedicated property tax of $4.10 per $100,000 of property value.

The bond reflects a shift in priorities for the Wake County Public School System, focusing on fixing up existing facilities that had previously been deprioritized in favor of new construction and employee pay raises. Only about 17% of the bond funds would be allocated toward new school construction, specifically for planning and initial construction of three schools in east Wake that would open in 2029 or later.

The school board is currently addressing several key issues, including forming an artificial intelligence policy, reviewing laptop use in classrooms, and developing new school safety plans, according to WRAL. The bond would cover the 2027-28 and 2028-29 school years, with Wake County typically placing school bond referenda before voters every four years.

Voters will decide on these matters in the upcoming election, which will shape the future direction of the Wake County Public School System.

What we're watching: The election outcomes and bond approval will influence school funding priorities and leadership in Wake County for years to come.