Nearly 80 people turned out for what may be the last big candidate forum in the Wake County Board of Education race. Unlike previous forums, the nine candidates on hand did not get the questions in advance. While they got away from their notes, they did not stray far from their key issues.

Topics like reassignment, busing, accountability, vocational education, and student achievement were covered in the questions developed by the forum's sponsoring organizations, including The League of Women Voters of Wake County, the Junior League of Raleigh, the YWCA of the Greater Triangle, the Wake County PTA Council, and El Pueblo. Several questions were devoted to the county's diversity policy and the problems Charlotte has faced since changing its plan.

Candidates Chris Malone (District 1) and Deborah Prickett (District 7) reiterated their support for neighborhood schools.

"We need neighborhood schools as a foundation, or community schools, whatever you want to call it, so we can create a better foundation for all kids," said Malone.

District 2 Candidate Carlene Lucas said she favors a "controlled choice" option for diversity, but argued that neighorhood schools would be segregated.

"Whether you're for neighborhood schools depends on what neighborhood you live in," she said.

Candidates also fielded questions on how schools should deal with childhood obesity.

"I think a 30 minute time during the day as well as another 15 minute time for walking and talking about what they're learning and processing some of the things that are going on," said Cathy Truitt, candidate for District 2.

Event sponsors were pleased with the turnout.

"Approximately 800 of our members have children who are either school age or have grandchildren who are school age," said Melissa Matton, Jr. League of Raleigh. "So we think this type of event is something that helps our members become more aware."

Folks who attended took advantage of time after the forum to talk with candidates. Colethia Evans said her school board district seat is not on the ballot, but she attended anyway.

"This is such an important school board election that's going to affect our children and our school for the next number of years," she said. "So we have to make sure that we have the right people with the right focus for all of Wake kids on the Board."

NBC 17 is featuring the school board race each week during September on its This Week on MyNC program. The show airs on Saturday mornings at 6 a.m., and on Sundays at 9 a.m. and again at 11:30 p.m.