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Wake County voters will choose four members to join the Wake County Board of Education. The News & Observer asked all candidates in this nonpartisan race to complete questionnaires to inform voters about their opinions on key issues. A $680 million school construction bond referendum is also on the fall ballot. Here’s what to know about the election.
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This fall’s election could determine how the Wake County school system handles whether to allow families to opt out of classes taught by transgender teachers.
Wake County has received national attention over the hiring of a transgender music teacher at Middle Creek Elementary School in Apex. The Thomas More Society — a conservative Christian law firm —gave Wake a Sept. 30 deadline to allow Middle Creek families to opt out of the teacher’s classes or face a federal lawsuit.
No lawsuit had been filed as of Oct. 12. A spokesperson for Thomas More said they’re in communication with the district’s attorneys but had nothing more to say at this time.
The News & Observer asked the 11 Wake school board candidates how the district should respond when parents want to opt their children out of a class taught by a transgender or non-binary teacher.
The candidates endorsed by the Wake County Republican Party — Bonnie Greaves, Ann Schubarg, Jacob Arthur and Cheryl Alexis — said they’re generally in support of allowing opt-out requests related to a teacher’s gender identity. They were especially likely to support opt-out requests made by elementary school families.
The responses from the candidates endorsed by the Wake County Democratic Party — Jasmine Zavala, Christina Gordon, Maddie Segal and Tyler Swanson — were more varied. Sitting board members said they couldn’t answer due to the lawsuit threat while other candidates were opposed or more neutral on granting opt-outs.
The school board is officially non-partisan but has a Democratic majority. Wake has cited a district policy that says principals balance requests for classroom assignment changes against the welfare of other students and the efficient operation of the school.
Here’s what the candidates had to say about the issue.
District 1 covers much of eastern Wake, including Wendell, Zebulon and parts of Knightdale and Wake Forest. The seat is currently held by Cheryl Caulfield, who isn’t seeking reelection.
Bonnie Greaves: Parents have the right to opt their children out of any class taught by a teacher who goes against their values.
Sebrina Pierce: Parents should be able to raise concerns about their child’s education and have those concerns heard and respected. However, I don’t believe a teacher’s gender identity should determine whether they are qualified to teach. Teachers should be evaluated on their qualifications, professionalism, ability to teach the curriculum, and how they work with students. Specific concerns should be addressed individually while treating students and staff fairly and respectfully.
Jasmine Zavala: All students, families, and employees should be treated fairly and respectfully. I believe concerns should be handled consistently with district policy and applicable law, while keeping the focus on providing every student with a safe, respectful, and effective learning environment.
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District 2 covers part of Southeast Raleigh and much of Garner and Fuquay-Varina. Christina Gordon has represented the district since she was appointed in January 2025 to replace Monika Johnson-Hostler when she was elected to the state House.
Christina Gordon: I understand the importance of this question and the concerns that may be behind it. However, as this matter may involve potential legal proceedings, and pursuant to the advice of counsel, I am not at liberty to comment on this particular question at this time.
Ann Schubarg: Wake County Public Schools should allow parents their right to opt their child out of any class.
District 7 covers northwest Raleigh, most of Morrisville and part of Cary. The seat is currently held by Chris Heagarty, who isn’t running for reelection.
Jacob Arthur: Wake should treat employees fairly, but the district’s first responsibility is to students and families. When parents raise sincere concerns about sensitive issues, particularly in an elementary school, WCPSS should listen, communicate clearly and make reasonable efforts to provide an alternative. These situations should be handled with respect, common sense and a focus on minimizing disruption for students.
Amita Gupta: Every Wake County teacher deserves to be treated with professionalism and respect, and every student deserves a safe, inclusive classroom. Our schools should follow existing nondiscrimination policies and not permit opt-outs based on a teacher’s identity. If a family has a genuine concern, our schools already have processes through counselors and administrators to address it respectfully, without compromising any teacher’s dignity or any student’s right to a quality education.
Maddie Segal: WCPSS policy empowers principals to evaluate class reassignments by balancing parental requests against the needs of all students and school operations. Under board policy and state law, families may opt out of specific curriculum materials conflicting with religious beliefs, but neither grants a right to opt out based on a teacher’s identity or attire. WCPSS must fulfill its legal obligation to uphold district policies, state laws, and non-discrimination protections for all employees.
District 9 covers most of Cary and parts of Apex and Morrisville. Board chair Tyler Swanson has represented the district since 2022.
Cheryl Alexis: Parents of elementary age students should absolutely have the right to opt out of such classes. I’m inclined to give parents of older students the same right.
Brian Olson: Prioritizing parent transparency and student stability. Schools must respect parental rights while maintaining a safe, inclusive learning environment for all. My position: parents deserve clear communication about classroom assignments and curriculum. If a genuine conflict arises, standard district transfer policies should apply fairly without disrupting the classroom. We must keep the focus on academic excellence, operational transparency, and mutual respect for teachers and families alike.
Tyler Swanson: As this matter may involve potential legal proceedings, and pursuant to the advice of counsel, I am not at liberty to provide a comment to this particular question.
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This story was originally published October 12, 2026 at 10:57 AM.