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WAKE COUNTY, N.C. — The Wake County School Board could see more big changes after Democrats came close to regaining a majority control in yesterday's election.

One seat will most likely be decided in a runoff. As hundreds came together Wednesday morning for an education summit, Tuesday night's school board elections were on the minds of Wake County educators.

"I look forward to continue working with the current board and stay focused on students and parents in Wake County. We'll look forward to working with the new board in the same endeavor,” said Superintendent Tony Tata.

For more than seven months, Tata has worked on a new student assignment plan emphasizing neighborhood schools and parent choice over the district's long standing policy of busing for diversity. It is an issue that has divided the board for two years. After four Democratic-backed candidates were elected Tuesday, many wonder if a possible power shift will change the proposed assignment plan known as the "Wake County Plan."

Tata said he is not worried.

"I think the beauty of the student assignment plan is that it's a reflection of what parents have asked for and what students have asked for. It is a plan that is very much down the middle of the road,” said Tata.

Board member Kevin Hill agrees. Hill is the Democratic-backed incumbent in the current board minority that supported the old diversity policy. Hill does not believe a new board will dismantle the proposed assignment plan.

"I think the old diversity plan is water under the bridge. I think we've got to move forward,” said Hill.

It will come down to a runoff between Hill and his Republican-backed challenger Nov. 8. Heather Losurdo took about 40 percent of the vote in District 3. If she won, the Republican-supported majority will remain.

"I'm encouraged. In fact, I really had a higher percentage of votes than I did in '07. So I'm looking forward to the next three weeks to help explain to folks why I'm the best candidate to represent our kids,” said Hill.

The election will be certified Tuesday. Losurdo has said she will ask for a runoff. The Board is also scheduled to vote on the student assignment plan Tuesday.

The public can speak out on the proposed student assignment plan Thursday. Wake County school leaders are host a public hearing at Broughton High School at 5 p.m.