Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Nears Debt-Free Status
The financial situation for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is looking up as their debt is anticipated to drop below $11 million. This positive development was shared by Interim Superintendent Catty Moore during a meeting with the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners on Thursday.
Moore announced that anticipated private donations are expected to completely clear the district’s debt to the county and significantly reduce the $3.9 million owed to ESS, a company that previously provided substitute services. This leaves an approximate $7 million as a negative fund balance.
“We are not required to pay that back. It is not a debt to be paid. It resolves itself through careful budgeting and financial management,” explained Moore. “Could be in a year, could be in a couple of years, but it resolves itself.” She expressed optimism that the balance might be cleared sooner rather than later.
The commissioners commended Moore for her role in the district’s financial resurgence. “Things are incredibly better than when you walked in the door,” Chairperson Don Martin remarked. “And for six months to make that kind of difference is really spectacular.”
As Moore prepares to depart at the end of November, her position will be filled by Don Phipps, the current superintendent of Caldwell County Schools.
