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A handful of changes are being made to Wake County’s new student assignment plan that’s set to move hundreds of students to different schools next year.
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Student assignment staff recommended Tuesday dropping the reassignment of some students and adding others in the revised draft of the 2027-28 student assignment plan. The changes come after parents voiced complaints about the first draft of the assignment plan that was released in September.
“This was one of the most extensive reassignment plans I’ve seen since I’ve been on the board,” said school board member Chris Heagarty, who has been on the board since 2018. “But I want to say I think these are the most changes I’ve seen in response to public feedback since I’ve been on the board as well.”
Parents hoped to make more changes through the public hearing on Tuesday. The school board is scheduled to vote on the plan on Nov. 17 after getting any final revisions that day.
The public can view the plan at www.wcpss.net/2027enrollmentproposal. It has links to see if you’re in the assignment plan and to provide online comment.
The changes announced on Tuesday are:
The addition of Water’s Edge was requested by families who wanted to attend closer schools.
But the Preston Meadows changes were not what families wanted. They had asked to stay at Green Hope.
“It’s probably not the solution the community was looking for, but it was a solution the planning team could recommend,” said Susan Pullium, senior director of student assignment.
But many more changes requested by families were not made.
“The planning team does look at all the feedback that’s been received and does respond to it,” Pullium said. “While we can’t make all the adjustments that have been requested, it is heard. It is valued, and it does influence decision-making, if not in this plan in future plans.”
But Pullium said many of the affected families will be able to take advantage of stability rules that will allow them to avoid being reassigned if they give up bus service.
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The largest contingent at the public hearing came from families from the Dansforth community and surrounding areas and who don’t want to be reassigned from Rolesville Elementary to Forest Pines Elementary. The change is meant to relieve crowding at Rolesville Elementary.
Several parents asked to be reassigned to Heritage Elementary instead because they live closer to there than Forest Pines.
“Children should attend the schools closest to their home,” said Kimberly Campbell, one of the Rolesville parents facing reassignment. “This reduces traffic and pollution and creates a more cohesive sense of community.”
Kasonna Kennedy, a parent, argued families should be allowed to stay at Rolesville Elementary because it has higher test scores than forest Pines.
“The question before us is not simply about managing enrollment numbers,” Kennedy said “It should be about ensuring every decision reflects the best interests of our children. Stability matters, consistency matters and access to high-qualty educational facilities matter.”
Multiple speakers from Preston Meadows argued against the modified proposal to move the entire community to Morrisville High.
“I just urge the board district leadership to lead with empathy,” said Renee Stegman, a Preston Meadows parent. “I hope you place community integrity ahead of enrollment targets but think about families.”
Speakers from Hilliard Forest and Belle Woods Manor reiterated their case not to be reassigned from Green Level High.
““We understand that Wake County must plan for growth,” said Dipal Dhagat, a Belle Woods Manor parent. “But growth planning should not come at the disproportionate expense of established communities like us.”
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This story was originally published October 20, 2026 at 5:03 PM.