Jennifer Job, District 8

09/02/2026

🌟🌟GOOD NEWS🌟🌟
The state report cards have just been released and Wake County Public School System had a PHENOMENAL year!

We are back to pre-pandemic levels. In fact, in many categories we outperformed every other year since 2016 or even 2012. Our graduation rate went up, 3rd grade reading levels jumped a ton, 8th grade science did too. Our children who struggle most also improved some of the most! And our schools' proficiency outperformed the rest of the state significantly 68% vs. 59%.

I know sometimes it can feel like it's not "worth it" to be part of Wake Co -- it's a huge district, we have our issues, navigating the system can be a pain. And don't get me wrong, I won't be happy until those numbers are much higher. But this is just proof positive that we are changing things for the better, making real gains, and our strategic plan is working! Go Wake!

More North Carolina students are testing proficiently across all subject areas, new data from the NC Department of Public Instruction shows.

08/26/2026

Hey y'all, we need to talk about this new NC law allowing district residents to challenge instructional materials.

First, a little clarification (despite the headline and the library photo). Residents canNOT challenge school library books. Neither can parents. The law requires us to have a database of the books that allows parents to identify books *their own children* are not allowed to check out, and the school must prevent the students from checking them out. No one is given the ability to ask for school library books to be pulled off the shelf except DPI and school personnel.

That said, the new law does allow anyone living in the district to challenge instructional materials or supplementary materials they feel to be "inappropriate" or "obscene." We're required to create a committee that has specified members and the committee must hold a hearing within two weeks.

This is going to take a ton of capacity that our personnel already don't have. In places where similar laws are in effect, nearly half of challenges are of materials that have LGBTQ+ people as characters. I really fear for what this will look like in practice at WCPSS.

New state legislation allows residents to challenge books in their local school district even if they don’t have a student enrolled. Winston-Salem/Forsyth County officials are updating district policies to comply.

08/18/2026

UPDATE: The WCPSS final exam policy has been updated to allow exemption as long as the student has an A or B and has 3 or fewer *unexcused* absences.

We heard you. Thank you for speaking out.

08/18/2026

Senior parents! Free college application week is coming up. Check out the participating colleges.

08/16/2026

I join our entire district in sending our deepest condolences to Coach Sheremy Dillard’s family, friends, players, students, and everyone whose life she touched.

Coach Dillard's dedication to supporting students—both on the court and in the classroom—left an undeniable mark on our school community. In times of tragic loss, the grief we feel reflects the deep impact and care she brought to Felton Grove.

Please know that support services, counseling, and crisis resources are available for all students, staff, and families navigating this painful time. You do not have to carry this grief alone, and the district stands fully committed to providing every resource needed in the days and weeks ahead.

May we honor Coach Dillard’s legacy by leaning on one another, offering grace, and holding her memory in our hearts.

08/16/2026

Wake NCAE is proud to endorse Christina Gordon for Board of Education District 2.🍎🗳️

Since her appointment to the Board, Christina Gordon has led with courage, clarity, honesty, and rigor. Her deep lived experience as a National Board Certified veteran teacher, a WCPSS parent, and an organizational leader has been evident in how she engages difficult issues in the board room. Our members have been inspired by, and grateful for, Ms. Gordon’s willingness to champion her conscience, even under pressure.

Our District Organizing Committee debated and voted last night as the final step in a highly participatory endorsement process. Stay tuned for more endorsement announcements to come!

08/12/2026

Is making sure your child's school has a working HVAC worth $22 to you?

08/12/2026

Wake County and WCPSS are working together to use land we own to build affordable housing for our teachers and other public servants. I am so excited about this project!

More than 50% percent of our teachers cannot afford to live in the communities in which they teach, and it's a problem that was not nearly addressed by the raises the state just passed. This affordable housing plan is not in any way a replacement for actually *paying teachers.*

The data shows a gap simply too large to have been overcome by state lawmakers’ significant pay raises for teachers this year and any accompanying county boost.

08/11/2026

Tomorrow, the School Board and the Wake Co Commission will have a joint session to talk about plans for affordable housing, the school bond, and child nutrition services.

This is a public meeting and the presentations are already up. If you're interested in these plans, check out the presentations here!
https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=920&MID=18934&Tab=Agenda&enIID=xlvr0hod5eoVlS1mbYUa3w%3D%3D

08/06/2026

Hello District 8!

I want to provide some clarification on the released Final Exam Exemption Guidelines for high schools, because we are seeing a lot of misinformation.

1. The schools must adopt the guidelines for students to exempt themselves from final exams. High Schools are allowed to opt out of the policy, but then students must take exams.

2. Students are allowed THREE absences (excused or unexcused) if they have an A in the class, ONE if they have a B, if they wish to be exempt from exams. College visits (up to 2), athletics, extra-curriculars, and field trips are not counted as absences.

3. Students who are absent more than three times due to medical circumstances, military assignment, or other extraordinary reasons can receive a waiver from the principal. So missing more than three days DOES NOT automatically mean the student must take the exam.

I know there are many families whose students have medical and other circumstances, and I encourage you to start a conversation with your principal about the students' needs now. If you have any other questions or concerns, of course email me at [email protected]!