Student assignments in Wake County are a step closer to being finalized.

Tuesday, growth and planning staff presented its final recommendations for a three-year assignment plan to the Wake County Board of Education for review. The revised plan recommends that 25,486 students be reassigned. That's 1,285 fewer students being moved than was suggested in the first draft released for public comment Nov. 15.

Staff members have been revising the plan, and continue to make small changes, because of the board's decision last week to modify magnet programs. Staff's full plan is to be available on the school system's website Dec. 20.

The school board has scheduled five public hearings to hear what parents and other citizens think about the plan-which aims to relieve overcrowding and fill ten new schools expected to open in the next three years.

The public hearings are scheduled from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the following high school auditoriums:

Jan. 5: Apex High School
Jan. 8: Southeast Raleigh High School
Jan. 12: Millbrook High School
Jan. 14: Fuquay-Varina High School
Jan. 15: East Wake High School

Beginning the morning of Saturday, Dec. 20, people wishing to comment at one of the meetings can register to do so online or by phone at 850-1600. You can also sign up to speak between 5:30 and 6:25 p.m. before each hearing. Speakers will comment in the same order in which they signed up.

Feedback an also be submitted on the Wake County Public School System website between Dec. 20 and Jan 15.

The school board is expected to approve a final assignment plan in February.