Officials head back to school for a day

More than 50 Wake County public schools hosted some important visitors last weeks as part of a program that gives elected officials a close up look at educational facilities.

North Carolina First Lady Mary Easley, Congressmen David Price and Brad Miller, and Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison were among the 40-plus elected officials who participated.

Locally, Apex Commissioner Bryan Gossage visited Lufkin Road Middle School on Feb. 22.

Gossage toured the school with Lufkin Principal Jim Palermo, Lufkin PTA officers and members of the student council.

“I enjoyed it,” said Gossage.  “It was interesting and gave me some good insight into one of our schools here in Apex.”

It also gave Gossage some early notice concerning a potential traffic problem should development in nearby Pinnacle Park continue.

“There could be a traffic issue with people getting in and out of the school if an area east of the school is developed,” said Gossage.  “It’s good to know about this in advance should something come up in the future.”

Palermo said he enjoyed getting the chance to show an elected official some of the challenges facing his school.

"We have a gymnasium that is unsuitable for interscholastic play," said Palermo.  "For that reason we must use the facility at the Apex Community Center.

"I don't think Mr. Gossage was aware of that fact and it was nice to discuss it with him."

Palermo said the program is beneficial to all participants.

“I felt it was a win-win situation,” said Palermo.  “I think Mr. Gossage gained some good insight to our school.  I also think that Lufkin Road and all Wake County schools were able to tell our elected officials about the great things happening in our school system.”

This first time program was the result of a collaborative effort by the Wake County PTA Council, the Wake County Division of Principals and Assistant Principals, and the Superintendents Teacher Advisory Council.