Wake County Taxpayers Association

Dear Mr. Margiotta:

As the Board moves into the search for a new Superintendent we wish to express our very strong desire that the Board move slowly enough to allow it to consider options.

The business operation of the Wake County School System is among the very largest enterprises in Wake County. We project that, based on that fact and on the evidence of the need that has arisen over recent years, it is essential that the Board give serious consideration to employing a carefully chosen, top-notch business management comptroller for the business management operations. This official would, of necessity, answer directly to the Board.

Such an action would not in any way deter the Board from appointing a top-flight individual to oversee the education and program management aspect of the schools operation. It would relieve the education and programs leader of the burden of the business management aspect.

The dictionary definition of .Comptroller. states:
1). . a royal-household official who examines and supervises expenditures;
2). a public official who audits governmental accounts and certifies expenditures.

Clearly the evidence indicates the need for high-level business management by an official with excellent business management skills. This official would be very much involved in the preparation and submission of the budget, and would oversee all expenditures in the most effective method possible. A business ( the school system is a huge business) that requires the largest percentage of funds in an entire County budget fully justifies and points out very strongly the need for a top business management comptroller.

We respectfully urge the Board to consider and adopt this option. Taking such action would place the Wake County School Board out front and would serve as an example for others to envy. Anything less than this will fail to restore the confidence of the citizens, who must be in support of the system including approval of bond issues. We ask you to not take this suggestion lightly. Thank you very much for your consideration of this very important matter!

J. Russell Capps, President

• Review the background research provided by Terry Stoops from the John Locke Foundation

• Each Wake County School Board Member received this letter addressed to them