Leadership Transition Becomes Focus for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools are facing a pivotal moment as the district prepares for the retirement of Superintendent Don Phipps at the end of September. With the recent budget crisis still fresh in memory, the search for a new superintendent has emerged as a top concern for Board of Education candidates eager to restore trust and financial stability.
During a forum organized by Bookmarks on August 23, ten out of the sixteen candidates for the school board presented their views on what qualities the next superintendent should possess. Incumbent candidate Alex Bohannon from District 1 emphasized the need for a leader who prioritizes transparency over popularity.
“We need a superintendent that is going to tell the board, as well as the community and our staff, not necessarily what they want to hear, but what they need to hear,” Bohannon stated. “And will not be afraid of the harsh truths and not be afraid of working with the board to make the tough decisions.”
Several candidates, including District 2’s Lee Childress, advocated for a superintendent who embraces a “Meet and Confer” policy, ensuring that educators have a voice in the decision-making process.
“I would like a superintendent who is willing to sit down with our everyday people through a ‘Meet and Confer’ policy, and really give the folks that have struggled this past year a voice,” Childress remarked.
Valerie Brockenbrough, running at-large, expressed a preference for a superintendent with experience in North Carolina’s educational landscape.
“First, I believe we need a veteran superintendent familiar with North Carolina, and it would be a bonus if she or he would be familiar with Forsyth County,” said Brockenbrough.
Conversely, Allen Daniel emphasized the importance of proven success in diverse districts similar to WS/FCS, regardless of geographical location.
“I think we need to find a superintendent who has been a successful superintendent for at least five years in a large, very economically diverse, very demographically diverse district,” Daniel explained.
Elisabeth Motsinger highlighted the necessity of cultivating a respectful and effective school board to attract competent leadership.
“So that a healthy superintendent wants to come here,” she added.
Curtis Fentress suggested that the board should focus on ensuring the incoming superintendent is capable of building a strong team, paving the way for future leadership within the district.
*Editor’s note: Amy Diaz was the moderator for this event.
