Community Concerns Rise Over Proposed School Relocation
In a packed meeting room, the evening before the academic year closed, the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education faced a sea of concerned parents, teachers, and local citizens. The focal point of their anxiety was a district proposal that could dramatically change the landscape for The Special Children’s School.
The district is considering terminating the lease of the school and relocating its students to a district-owned facility by the 2027-2028 school year. This proposal was met with emotional pleas from the community. “For families like mine, this school is not just a building, it is safety, support, understanding and opportunity for children who already face challenges most people will never fully see,” expressed Cassidy Bennett.
Parents and educators voiced their fears about losing a vital support system. “When I heard about this, my heart collapsed,” stated Alethea Furches. “We need the support, we need them, we need the school.” Adding to this sentiment, Ashley Jones urged, “You’re giving yourself a huge liability, and you’re taking away the only village that families like mine have. Please don’t do that.”
Cheryl Whitaker, an educator at the school, highlighted the critical medical support provided by the staff, including procedures like catheterization, G-tube feeding, and seizure intervention. “Our students benefit from being in an environment designed for these situations,” Whitaker noted. “EMS visits and emergency interventions can be disruptive and frightening for students in a traditional school setting.”
The district’s proposal is largely driven by financial considerations. With remnants of debt from a previous budget crisis and declining enrollment affecting state funding, the district is seeking ways to optimize resources. Chief Operations Officer Lauren Richards explained, “We have a responsibility as staff and as the board to continue to reimagine how we utilize those facilities, how we’re repurposing those facilities, and continuing to enhance the services we provide to students.”
The proposed plan involves transitioning the students to Ward Elementary, which has nine vacant classrooms but would require renovations to accommodate the needs. Moreover, officials are looking into reducing the square footage in the current lease, potentially saving around $40,000 annually.
The board has postponed the decision on this relocation to June 9, allowing more time for consideration and community input.
