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RALEIGH – The Wake School Board wants the General Assembly's approval to allow the chairman to vote. Right now in Wake County, the school board chair only votes if its needed to break a tie.

However, the full board voted Tuesday night to press state lawmakers to change a statute specific to Wake County and to allow the school board chair to vote on every item that comes before the board.

Some board members say the chair should have the right to vote in order to represent their district. However, others argue the chair already has enough power.

"The chairman, whomever that may be at any given time, because it's not just us but going forward in the future, will want his or her constituents to know what they think and have a record to vote on as well," said board member Chris Malone.

"I feel the policy we've had since '76 has served us well," said board member Kevin Hill. "I think that the chair has ample opportunity to represent the folks in his or her district. Keeping in mind that all board members look out for all citizens in the county."

Last year, the chairman cast the deciding vote to remove the student diversity policy.