Community Connections

The Board of Education is scheduled to vote on the 2027-28 enrollment proposal Nov. 17. Following the vote, families affected by the approved plan will receive information Nov. 18 about stability transfer options and how to apply, if eligible. The enrollment proposal page has also been updated with summaries and recordings of virtual information sessions, along with ThoughtExchange feedback reports. Learn more.

Wake County has nearly 540 children in foster care but only about 75 licensed foster homes. Children right here in our community need safe, temporary, loving homes. You may already have what they need: a welcoming home, a bed of their own, regular meals, or everyday moments like bike rides, homework help, or family dinners. These simple things can make an extraordinary difference when you open your home to a child in foster care. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be present. If you can offer a safe, stable, and loving environment, you can be a foster parent. Learn more today by visiting the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina.

Our Career and Technical Education team is seeking volunteers to take part in the Xtreme Beginnings career event on Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. to noon at NC State’s McKimmon Center. This annual expo gives students a space to explore their career interests by interacting directly with community professionals and taking part in practice interviews. Business partners and volunteers will be able to meet the future of Wake County’s workforce and make early connections. We are currently seeking professionals to volunteer in our College and Career Expo room and Practice Interview room. Register to volunteer by Nov. 17.

Simpson, who is also the current WCPSS School Counselor of the Year, was surprised with the statewide honor Tuesday during a celebration with her family, colleagues, and representatives from the N.C. School Counselor Association. She has served as Barton Pond's school counselor since its opening in 2022: “Everything the school was building, planning, and defining for our school, I did with the counseling program alongside it. That makes it a really cohesive program where counseling isn't just an additional thing. It's part of the school.” Learn more.

It's National School Psychology Week, which is a good time to ask the question: What do school psychologists do? While they're trained to evaluate students for disabilities that may require specially designed instruction, their work goes far beyond that. Watch as Hannah Macomson, school psychologist at Barton Pond Elementary, explains how she and her colleagues support students' learning, behavior, and overall well-being.

Our Superintendent, Dr. Robert P. Taylor, was recently named one of eight finalists for North Carolina’s inaugural Career and Technical Education (CTE) Superintendent of the Year award. His selection recognizes outstanding leadership in expanding student opportunities, strengthening community and industry partnerships, and advancing high-quality CTE programs. The North Carolina Association for Career and Technical Education established the award to honor superintendents whose support helps drive innovation in teaching and success for students. Dr. Taylor was recognized alongside fellow finalists at the 2027 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC CTE Teacher of the Year Recognition Event on Oct. 29 in Concord. The statewide winner will be announced in December.

Congratulations to Dr. Brooksie Sturdivant, our district’s community partnerships coordinator, who was recently recognized by community organization Empower All with the Each One, Teach One Award! The award celebrates individuals who intentionally share their knowledge, mentorship, wisdom, and opportunities to empower the next generation. Join us in congratulating Dr. Sturdivant on this well-deserved honor!

Staff Connections aims to highlight one of the many people who power public education in Wake County. Our goal is to introduce you to the staff members behind the scenes — those who build partnerships, support schools, and make learning possible for students across the district.

For over 20 years, Brian Thacker has been part of the Wake County Public School System, bringing together his experience in education, marketing, and community engagement. He spent 13 years teaching Career and Technical Education (CTE) business and marketing classes at the middle and high school levels. Before joining WCPSS, Brian served as a marketing and communications manager at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business.

A graduate of Marshall University with a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Advertising, Brian also earned his school leadership credentials and principal's license through Appalachian State University.

Today, Brian leads WCPSS's Lifelong Learning with Community Schools program, connecting families and community organizations with valuable opportunities and resources. He oversees the Triangle Camps, Track-Out, and More Directory, a parent-requested resource highlighting youth programs and activities; Wake Community Flyers, the district's monthly digital flyer distribution service; and Online Classes, which provides affordable learning opportunities for community adults. His work supports the Community Services department's mission of meeting neighborhood-level needs through educational, recreational, cultural, civic, and social opportunities for all ages.

Beyond his work at WCPSS, Brian has spent more than two decades performing and teaching improvisational comedy and theater. He also enjoys writing urban fantasy, spending time with his spouse, and supporting and caring for his parents.

Interested in learning more about Lifelong Learning's advertising opportunities or adult online classes? Visit www.wcpss.net/lifelonglearning or email lifelonglearning@wcpss.net. You can reach Brian directly at bthacker@wcpss.net.

If you are a nonprofit organization, religious organization, or private foundation that currently works with our district or would like to partner in the future, please complete the Community Partnership Profile Submission Form to put yourself on the map if you have not already done so.

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