Knightdale —The Knightdale Town Council became the fourth town to oppose at-large elections of the Wake County Board of Education.

Town Council on Monday voted unanimously to oppose the change, saying it promoted a “Raleigh-centric” board.

Zebulon, Wake Forest and Wendell also voted to oppose it. The towns of Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Garner and Rolesville have endorsed at-large elections.

The school board is currently composed of nine districts. Voters can cast ballots only for candidates running in their districts.

“The outlying areas get left out,” said Mayor Russell Killen, calling for program equity in an area with more students with free and reduced lunches than other parts of the county.

He said schools perform better when there is a balanced mix of students.

He also said having board members responsive to the needs of those in their district was the “best chance” of getting magnet schools and other things eastern Wake County needs.

“I don’t think a county-wide basis would be the best way,” said Councilman Mike Chalk.

Killen added that proponents of at-large districts were pushing neighborhood schools.

Some elected officials and parents upset over student reassignment and year-round schools want the at-large school districts.

The General Assembly would have to approve legistlation creating at-large school districts in order for the change to be made.