Cary's Town Council approved a proposal Thursday night to host a county-wide forum focusing on education issues.

The "Climate for Student Success Forum" will be scheduled for May 11, and council members plan to invite leaders from other municipalities, Wake County, school groups and all members of the Wake County School Board.

The idea is to have a keynote address followed by a moderated conversation involving the entire group.

"Municipalities do not have the authority or the responsibility to govern the education system in Wake County," said council member Jennifer Robinson, who is spearheading the effort.  "However, citizens often call upon their municipal leaders here in Cary and in all the other municipalities to take a stand."

Robinson said she wanted to make sure that the Wake County School Board understands that the forum isn't designed to dictate any agenda to the school district.

"We don't know what the outcome of this will be," said Robinson.  "We simply know that we want to promote discussion among municipal leaders and give them the opportunity to look at this and have a voice."

The forum idea passed by a 6-to-1 tally, with Mayor Harold Weinbrecht the dissenting vote.

Weinbrecht said he was concerned with the perception others might have, and added he's worried about using taxpayer money to host the event. 

Funding was a big part of the discussion prior to the vote; town staffers estimate the forum would have a price tag of $7,346.

Even though that amount isn't much compared to most other budget items for a town the size of Cary, all the council members agreed that the forum should be self-funded if possible.

Because of those concerns, they approved the money with the understanding that there will be quite a bit of fundraising between now and May; three council members verbally agreed to chip in through their businesses to serve as sponsors of the event.

Council Member Erv Portman wanted to include a suggested voluntary donation of $25 for each participant, but that idea was not included in the final vote.

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