This page highlights the latest Advocacy activities. Check the PTA newsletter for updates. Email advocacy@connpta.org.
WCPSS School Board Commenting Guide
NC School Funding 101 - Guide from Save our Schools NC
North Carolina state government 101 - PDF from EdNC for advocates
Every Child NC Advocacy Toolkit - English and Spanish guides on the Leandro Plan, public education policy, and public education elections. Guías en inglés y español sobre el Plan Leandro, política de educación pública y elecciones de educación pública.
Private School Voucher Toolkit - Comprehensive resources from Public Schools First NC
NC Child Advocacy Toolkit - Details the difference between advocacy and lobbying; includes tips for community-based, legislative, and digital advocacy; and shares the perspectives of child advocates and state legislators.
Understanding Legislative Advocacy for Children in North Carolina: A Guide to the General Assembly (NC Child)
Every WCPSS school is required to carry out a school improvement plan (SIP). According to WCPSS, "the purpose of SIP is to improve achievement and outcomes for every student by working to eliminate the ability to predict achievement based on socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity. Every WCPSS school is charged with collaboratively and continuously analyzing data and making decisions considering the unique needs of the learning community and the district's strategic plan."
In other words, this is a school-run program; it is not affiliated with PTA. However, PTA does help recruit parent representatives.
If you would like to get involved, please reach out to Principal Corey at jcorey@wcpss.net or Assistant Principal Michael Warholik@wcpss.net.
To view Conn's school improvement plan and learn more, use the credentials found in the right hand column on the Conn's SIP webpage.
Conn ES is in WCPSS District 4 which has been represented by Ms. Toshiba Rice since Feb. 2024. Ms. Rice is one of nine school board members currently elected to serve on the Wake County Board of Education, the local governing body of the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS).
The school board consists of nine representatives who collectively set policy for the school system implemented by WCPSS Superintendent Dr. Robert P. Taylor and administrative staff. Current policy debates include:
pending policy regarding school-issued devices such as Chromebooks and cell phones (or any communication device such as a smart watch) in the classroom
teacher pay, driver shortages, student transportation
As our WCPSS rep, Ms. Rice wants to hear from parents, students, and the community about your school experience (the good, the bad, and the ugly) in Wake County. Ways to engage:
Email (trice@wcpss.net)
Attend and speak at bimonthly WCPSS school board meetings (see details above)
Attend district 4 Board Advisory Council (BAC) meetings that consists of citizen members, school administrators and other staff to provide feedback and consultation by to Ms. Rice (see details above)