In a lively gathering, candidates for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education assembled at a forum led by students on Thursday night. WFDD’s Education Reporter, Amy Diaz, was present to capture the event’s highlights, later discussing them with Editorial Director Bethany Chafin.
Current Candidates and Election Overview
The election race features 16 candidates vying for nine seats, with only three incumbents—Trevonia Brown-Gaither, Alex Bohannon, and Robert Barr—returning from the primaries. Notably absent from the forum was Bohannon, who was attending a national school board conference. Some former incumbents have stepped back from re-election, largely due to the district’s recent financial crisis, which has also spurred new candidates to run.
Financial Crisis Impact
Lingering distrust surrounds the district’s financial management, with questions about whether funds are appropriately allocated and if debts have indeed been settled. Candidates collectively stressed the importance of stronger financial oversight and regular audits. However, they differed on whether the board should be seeking additional state funding or resolving the issues internally.
Discussions on School Safety
School safety was another major topic, with many candidates advocating for the use of metal detectors and enhanced security at school entrances. Allen Daniel, Curtis Fentress, and Ronda Mays emphasized the need for improved mental health resources, anti-bullying measures, and fostering student trust to encourage reporting suspicious activities. Robert Barr highlighted the importance of collaborating with local law enforcement, while others proposed revising the district’s code of conduct to enforce stricter disciplinary measures.
Areas of Consensus
There was consensus among candidates on improving working conditions for educators to enhance retention. Suggestions included reducing the administrative burden on teachers, compensating them for additional tasks, and ensuring protected planning time. Many candidates also backed implementing a ‘Meet and Confer’ policy, advocated by the Forsyth County Association of Educators, to involve educators in decision-making processes.
