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WAKE COUNTY, N.C. — Wake County Superintendent Tony Tata said the school system's new student assignment plan could serve as model for other districts across the country.

This week, the school board approved the choice plan. Tata feels the model offers families stability and accommodates the county's expected growth. The choice plan offers parents a choice of schools near their home to choose from, with year-round and traditional calendar options, magnet schools, and specialty programs.

"We put a heck of a lot of hard work into the assignment plan," said Tata. "We have developed a plan that accommodates growth and follows board policy, while giving parents choices and provides access to high quality programs."

State Superintendent Dr. June Atkinson believes the board made the best decision for students.

"Wake County is the largest in North Carolina and they have many more challenges than some of our smaller school districts when it comes to student assignment," said Atkinson.

Tata believes other fast growing counties will pay close attention to its implementation.

"Being able to absorb the growth that we are expecting and hoping for from a business community and to keep all of our schools attractive," said Tata.

During the selection process, a website will allow families to see their list of choices and feeder schools and also monitor the number of seats available in each grade level. Tata believes the tool allows for flexibility. According to Tata, the test drive of the choice plan shows about 6 percent of students in the district want to change their current school.

Parents will be able to access those choice lists beginning Monday.