RALEIGH -- Wake County Commissioners are one step closer to taking ownership and construction of public schools away from the Board of Education. The state Senate gave tentative approval to the measure on Friday.

Senator Martin Nesbitt of Buncombe County asked why school boards are necessary if county commissions could own and operate schools.

"In my mind you may as well just do away with the board of education and let the county commissioners run it, if you think that is such a good idea. Because that is what you are doing here. You are just absolutely neutering these people and taking away the very purpose that they're there for."

Supporters say county commissions are more business-minded and better able to handle the complex issues involved in building and running schools.