wsfcs board of education

Winston-Salem is a philanthropical community. Advocating for public schools, educators and students is my passion. I am present in our public schools through tutoring, substitute teaching and other volunteer work. Our bus mechanics are supporting twice as many buses as recommended; our drivers are covering extra routes, getting some kids to school late every day and getting kids home at dinnertime; our cafeterias started the year short over 100 positions; we have TAs (teacher assistants) teaching classes; teachers covering vacant positions in addition to their own classes; and counselors responsible for 400 students instead of the recommended 250.It is the responsibility of the board to set policy that ensures every student in the district has a safe environment in which to have the opportunity to reach their full potential. In addition, all voters may vote for at-large candidates. You can cancel at any time. As a life long educator and advocate for public education, I feel it is our responsibility to provide all students with a quality education in our public school system. In the 1830s, Horace Mann, a Massachusetts legislator and secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Education, began to advocate for the creation of public schools that would be "universally available to all children, free of charge and funded by the state." Watts also spoke about the importance of building relationships in schools. Nine seats on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools school board in North Carolina were up for general election on November 8, 2022. Lastly, teachers should have two protected teacher workdays each quarter prior to when grades are due. Teach students to value oneself, each other and our country. It CAN be done. My wife is a retired teacher with over 30 years of service. by Tevin Stinson. I was the principal of Kimberley Park Elementary, Julian Gibson Elementary School and Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy School. We need a firm policy that sends disruptive students to an alternative setting, with the support they need to get back on track.I spoke to a middle school English teacher recently who said they calculated that they spend eight weeks every year assessing students; then we wonder why they are so far behind. Job Details. Shes also a mother of four, with two children attending school in the district, and two in Pre-K. The school board sets the tone for equity and inclusivity in our schools, through the policies we set, she wrote. Three of the remaining board members, Democrats Deanna Kaplan and Alex Bohannon and Republican Leah Crowley garnered enough . We used to go about it with church, scouts, 4H, different organizations. In building respect, we must let our teachers teach. This is the disclaimer text. Apply now. Teachers are spending too much time on testing and assessing students. Information about the campaign of Stan Elrod for Forsyth County Board of Education SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions, the site states. Ultimately, the decision on how to educate your children begins at home, and as a parent, it is our duty to research which learning environment will work best with the individual needs of our children. Crowley is in her fourth year on the board and chairs the Buildings and Grounds Committee. Daniel, on the other hand, said he no longer believes in exclusionary discipline, but that if a student is being disruptive, they may need to be in a more structured environment or in a classroom with a lower teacher-to-student ratio. With the number of candidates with like-minded parent, teacher, and student focused ideas, the new school board will hopefully change that for the better. i. With these important equity measures and mindsets in place, the culture of our schools will be welcoming and foster inclusivity for all.. Castillo grew up attending schools in the district and has worked in Winston-Salem as a social worker for more than 10 years. What I'm concerned about is, again, the private companies that we use that get a nice chunk of our school budget, she said. I believe the WSFCS Board should consider single member Board districts for the election of Board members in order to enhance communication with parents, bring governance of schools closer to the taxpaying voter, and simplify the voting process. Meeting Minutes. The district served 54,707 students during the 2018-2019 school year and comprised 79 schools. Our District is expanding access to various mental health agencies that focus on the different needs and concerns of our students, Kaplan wrote. Republican and former Reagan High School principal Stanley Elrod . As a leader of the Office of Communications and External Relations, responsible for facilitating and leading all aspects of a robust community engagement plan that supports the WS/FCS strategic . I am a grassroots organizer with "boots on the ground" experience in helping individuals in our community overcome poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, and other issues which spill over into our schools. Programming: . I worked in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools for 14 years. That means setting an expectation of . To show support for teachers I would: 1) Schedule periodical Town Hall meetings for all educators. Contact Us. Having a diverse population gives students an opportunity to be exposed to and learn about other cultures, ethnicities, abilities and even beliefs, far beyond what a textbook could provide. EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in elementary education, East Tennessee State University; master's of education degree, reading (K-12), UNCG; post masters, NC Administrative Licensure, UNCG; Graduate of Piedmont Triad Leadership Academy, UNCG, OCCUPATION:Former educator instructional Facilitator/Classroom Teacher/Reading Specialist, WSFCS. Elrod retired from education after serving 34 years in the district as a teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal, and principal. Students cannot learn if they are not in school; but no student can learn in a chaotic environment. Make sure their pay is competitive, give them the support they need in their classrooms, and allow them to teach by reducing the number of local and state tests. All nine seats on the board are up for grabs, with just four incumbents Alex Bohannon, Leah Crowley, Lida Calvert-Hayes and Deanna Kaplan seeking another four-year term. For years I have been boots on the ground on issues ranging from mandatory African American studies to discipline to teacher recruitment to fighting for new schools, etc. I also taught 6th and 7th grades at Paisley and Kernersville Middle and served as a curriculum coordinator at Atkins Middle School. I know you don't need to suspend them out of school because there are environments that they don't need to be in. Programming: . 2. Much like in my role as principal where I worked with my teachers and staff to establish a positive culture, as a Board member I will work to create a culture that communicates 'All are Welcome.' Voters in District 1 will pick 2 members, voters in District 2 pick 4 members, and all voters elect 3 At-Large members. It appears with school board operations a lack of checks and balances. Crowley explained that when students are suspended for bad behavior, they miss school, and typically spend time around bad influences. When they return to school in a couple weeks, she said the cycle repeats. Watch The WS/FCS Cable 2 Video To Find Out The Motivation Behind His . Even for my weekend reading and to stay informed and knowledgeable of current N.C. laws and state affairs, I subscribe to K-12 Education Office of Government and Community Affairs publication. North Carolina can be a benchmark for Americas teachers. As a board member I would like to meet with different students to hear their stories and struggles so I will be aware of current issues and prejudices that may be occurring in order to provide students with protections from bullying, Barr wrote. In a crowded school board election, how do you stand out among the candidates? Winston Salem/Forsyth County Schools Location Winston-Salem, NC, US Salary Competitive. Its the duty of the board to ensure that we offer a safe and inclusive environment for all of our families, she said. Coone-Godfrey participated in the creation of the district's new Student Code of Character, Conduct and Support, which was adopted earlier this year. administrative regulations, and School Board Policies. I will be in the schools as a volunteer and a reading tutor, and make myself available at public forums held by the district.Our parents know what their students need, and our teachers know what they need to meet those needs. There will never be enough private or charter schools to meet the needs of every student. If there are empty positions, they need to be filled. Save job - Click to add the job to your shortlist. In a written response, she wrote that all students should feel welcome at school regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation or any identity., I've become alarmed by the number of students I've talked to who feel they must keep their political and religious beliefs to themselves. Teachers need to be treated as the professionals and should not be subjected to micromanaging every aspect of their performance. Many students fell behind during the pandemic. . 1. and School Board Policies. This question highlighted intra-party differences among the Republican candidates. The public school experience isnt perfect, but it is authentic and a truer reflection of the world they will navigate post-graduation. Money diverted to private schools and charter schools takes necessary funding away from public schools. The filing deadline for this election was March 4, 2022 . My wife taught at Southwest Elementary, Sedge Garden and Prince Ibraham. School / Org: Flat Rock Middle Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina FTE: 1 No. The best way to serve teachers is to treat them like professionals. Then, we can continue to strengthen the academic and social skills at the middle school and at the high school levels to prepare students for life: work, college or military.R: Relationships and Respect: We must find ways to give respect to our education community. When the question about restorative justice practices was asked, Hardman used an example of students physically fighting. From what teachers have said to me is that they are never asked what they need or what they feel is important in helping them to be educators in the classroom. Board of Education; Archived Board Meeting Agendas; Archived Board Meeting Minutes 2022-2023. Eleven of them attended a forum last week at R.J. Reynolds High School. EDUCATION:I have an Education Specialist Degree (Ed.S) from Appalachian State University. Our school system should mirror the makeup of our society and be inclusive of all people regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, faith beliefs and more, she wrote. We must elevate our school buildings to be places of respect, educational excellence and expectation, and above all security. The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education unanimously approved a calendar for the 2023-24 school year during their meeting last week.The district sent out surveys to stakeholders earlier this school year to see what changes they would like to see to the annual schedule. It is much more cost effective, and creates a far more positive learning environment for students and teachers, to address the safety issues and the lack of respect. That created disruption in the school board meeting, and a man ultimately crossed the safety barrier separating the public from the board, which is not allowed. Oct 16, 2022, The District 1 race for two seats on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools board likely was settled in the May Democratic primary with incu, The political bent of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools board appears likely to come down to which candidates win at-large seats in the, The main question involving the District 2 race for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is whether a lone Democratic challenger can secure on. There are two candidates running for two available seats in District 1: Alex Bohannon, and Trevonia Brown-Gaither. They, along with many others who are employed by the school system, are on the front lines. My top issues. Hardman said he believed these teachings dont need to come from school. In many schools, teaching is the focus when education should be focused on student learning. Because I am currently a classroom teacher and teacher leader in my building, I truly understand what teachers really need. Worked with infants-adults in hospital, community and home setting. With the resources and opportunities that are available within the public schools, I think it is extremely important that our children are a part of the public school system so that we can strengthen what is needed to meet the needs of ALL our students where they will not have a need to look elsewhere for a good education. Many students are years behind, and with class sizes what they are, teachers are not able to get them caught up. New teachers must also be mentored by a more seasoned teacher to help transition into the position. Long Term Substitute at Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools . Bohannon currently serves on the board and did not attend the forum. These are basic needs that are not consistently being met across the board. She wrote about the efforts the district is undertaking to promote inclusivity, including the strategic plan and the equity policy. Balance the budget, cut out wasteful spending and maintain a budget that is predictable and sustainable from year to year. 2022 school board race: A look at the candidates for Winston-Salem/Forsyth Board of Education. I have been extremely involved in the school system for the last 9 years and have a pulse with what is going on in the district. With the revised supplement, all teachers and certified staff will now get only $1,800 per teacher and the beginning teacher . I am running as educator for education.2) What do you feel are the biggest issues facing students, teachers and staff at schools currently and within your authority as a member of the BOE, how would you work to fix them?S: Safety. One of those topics focused on the . Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. I stand out among all the other candidates because I believe I am the total package with 30 years of experience. I worked as volunteer with various organizations. Board of Education. I vow to change that and how that forum is handled. See K.S.A. If you have questions regarding a position posted in TeacherMatch, contact the Human Resources Department at 336-727-2786 or by email staffing@wsfcs.k12.nc.us. My platform brings peace and stability to the teachers and staff so that they can focus on the students. August 10, 2020 Board of Education Hearing Panel (Policy 4150) Meeting Minutes. All students are equally important, he wrote. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. My decisions are based on not only the data but the source of the data. Diagnosed in the second grade with ADHD and dyslexia, my husband and I embarked on an arduous journey. Incentivize and reward teachers for achievement in the classroom. Other candidates said inclusivity shouldnt be the districts concern. After applying to this posting, please send your resume to Jackie Haywood, Director, Exceptional Children-Related and Itinerant Services, at jbhaywood@wsfcs.k12.nc.us. We have up-to-date resources, technology, research-based curriculum and activities. My experience spans 30 plus years as an educator, various roles in the medical field and home care. I am already serving and advocating for students and educators, so the work is familiar to me. The intersection of Cherry and 25th Streets will now and forever be known as Mildred R. Griffin Way. of . The school system must also attract and acquire high quality minority males, specifically African American male educators due to the lack of their presence in WSFCS. The code lays out specific guidelines to determine the appropriate disciplinary action for a student. The beginning teacher annual supplement would have totaled $8,200. She says she supports the districts current equity policy. To start, I supported teachers by voting for a pay raise as I agree this has been a tough year for our teachers and they have done a wonderful job for our students. Winston-Salem, NC 27105. I believe we need to give classroom educators more automony in deciding how best to deliver the content, while still making sure all standards are covered; relieve them of unnecessary professional development; and give them the support staff they need so they can focus on the educational needs of every student. Here's a look at the candidates. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Titans, Mustangs to square off Friday night, Western Forsyth Post 522 Blue advances to second round of Area 3 Tournament, Willow Run, Shallowford Lakes pick up wins last week. I am a concerned parent. I have lobbied for public schools in the N.C. General Assembly. Our kids need to know that there's a safe place for them to land or to get some help if they need some help, and we have absolutely, as a family, benefited from that, she said. View more Job Category Administrator, Finance / Business / CFO, Support Staff, Secretarial / Clerical. Teach students to use reason and critical thought to make informed decisions for themselves. Assisting in the selection . Salaries, bonuses and retention need to be reviewed. There are three at-large Democratic candidates: Coone-Godfrey, Richard Watts, and Deanna Kaplan. I believe there is value in all forms of teaching our children. As chairperson, I believe I have demonstrated strong leadership and the ability to bring our board together and move forward on items that are important to our kids, teachers and parents. Full-Time. Republicans Leah Crowley and Lida Calvert-Hayes are the only Republicans running for re-election, as current board members Dana Caudill Jones and Marilyn Parker are stepping down after this term. At the forum, Absher said she wasnt opposed to social-emotional learning as a concept related to conflict resolution, but was opposed to the companies used to teach SEL. Teachers have carried a tremendous burden over the last two years. You need to sign in or create an . Parts of our recommendations are now part of the new WSFCS mission and vision. 2. I also attend Board of Education committee meetings and general meetings. 54 talking about this. I am not a politician. The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education appointed Tricia McManus the 8th Superintendent of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools on February 23, 2021. Students should be able to express their views, as long as they do it respectfully., Absher has shared multiple transphobic messages on her Twitter page, including retweeting Trans Kids are the new Gucci Handbag for the Upper Middle Class Wine Mommies who need attention.. My "back to basics" platform achieves that directly. After retiring, running for the Forsyth County Board of Education was always in the back of my mind. Employer: Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Position Type: Teaching Categories: Physical Education School / Org: Wiley Magnet Middle Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina FTE: 1 No. Continuing professional growth through educational meetings, visiting related facilities, reading professional literature . EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree from University of Delaware. Assisting in the selection of books, equipment and other instructional . Illustrative Examples of Work Duties of this position include . I taught 14 years in Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools. Before leading the oath of office, Hartsfield wished the new board luck. Beyond that, the federal Education Department should create a national teacher licensing system. I was a classroom teacher at Wiley Middle School. As a member of the board of education, Ill work with members to engage county commissioners, law enforcement, administrators, parents, and teachers to raise standards and get back to the basics in order that all of our schools can be successful. a. I also received my master's degree from Appalachian State University and a bachelor's degree from Wake Forest University. Make Plans To Attend By Registering For Your Spot Now. I have read and responded to hundreds and hundreds of emails and have advocated for numerous students and staff. Lisa O'Donnell. EDUCATION: WS/FCS, Appalachian State & UNCG. Stay up to date about news, events, and information for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools I am a veteran educator with over 30 years of service teaching and volunteering in the public schools. The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education voted to appoint Alex B. Bohannon (Democrat) as a board member at its . EDUCATION: Master's in education, Wake Forest University; Bachelor's in education, Winston-Salem State University. The candidates were . WS/FCS Board of Education Meeting Broadcasts & Recordings, Weather Related School Closings or Delays, WS/FCS Blackboard Mass Notification System. Teachers are on the front lines, and change is impossible without speaking up. I have also been an advocate for the Latino community for many years, and I can make sure that we finally bridge the gap between our Latino community and our schools. In a crowded school board election, how do you stand out among candidates? OCCUPATION:A retired high school principal, currently I am working for Crosby Scholars as the Coordinator of the African American Males Pursuing Educational Dreams Program. The Board of Education approved a salary schedule in December that turned out to be $16 million more than the budget would allow for. As a district, we need to focus instruction on helping every student attain proficiency in the requirements for graduation and for success in life after high school. Public Education, first and foremost, ensures a quality educational choice when everyone has an opportunity to have a S-E-A-T at the table in determining the welfare and education of all youth. Public education is at the heart of creating a strong education system and democracy. EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in Education from Winston-Salem State University and associate degree in Architectural Technology from Forsyth Technical Community College, OCCUPATION: Teacher/multi-classroom leader for WS/FCS. WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. . I dont think it has to be an either home school, private, or public education debate. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Shallow Ford Foundation announces college and job training assistance programs for 2023, Titan Tattler: March will be a busy month at West Forsyth, Clemmons Fire Department receives upgraded insurance rating. I taught third through fifth grades at Moore Elementary; sixth-seventh grades at Paisley Middle; seventh grade at Kernersville Middle School, and served as curriculum coordinator at Atkins Middle School. and School Board Policies. c. Working in coordination with other basic education teachers and other departments in planning and developing the basic program. Planning. 3/3/2023 3:52 PM. 203 likes. I am a triple threat to the other candidates. Public schools accept all children often providing additional help when necessary, providing meals and free transportation to and from school. 2. He is also a parent of three current WS/FCS students. I am uniquely qualified to provide experience and expertise to face WSFCS' biggest challenge which is our low reading proficiency rate, 38.1%. I am the original "back to basics" candidate. External Employees: Temporary Position. Candidates answers to these questions can be found here. The opportunity here is to try something new, and it's not throwing out consequences or accountability, she said. OCCUPATION: President and owner of S&L Painting and Decorating, Inc. As a student of Head Start (Smart Start), and K-12 public education, I know first hand how public schools afforded me the opportunity to expand my experiences as well as challenge my intellectual capacity to be prepared for college and beyond. My children have received excellent instruction, have access to multiple extracurricular opportunities, have made great friends, and have a deeper appreciation for people different from them. There are five candidates running for four seats in District 2. I am a part of the system in every way: teacher, parent, taxpayer/homeowner, held various leadership roles in the school system: multi-classroom leader, director after-school program, site lead 21st Century Community Learning Center, member of American Legion Post 128 and FCAE/NCAE member. Instructor at Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools . The value of public schools is that they reflect the diversity of the world in which we live, bringing together children from all cultural, economic and social backgrounds. Active in church working with children for over 30 years. I want to serve to make both areas better. Ive attended countless sporting events, PTA meetings, parent conferences, and awards ceremonies in elementary, middle and, high schools. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. i. The school s Public education is unique in its capacity to open up a child's worldview. I see you.. Meeting Minutes. EDUCATION: K-12 in WS/FCS schools; bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Virginia Tech, OCCUPATION: Civil engineer/senior project manager. Harry Leake Jr is an Instructor at Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools based in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Four of the candidates are Republican: Leah Crowley, Stanley Elrod, Steve Wood, and Robert Barr. The 2023-24 calendar reflects the districts best efforts to reconcile these protocols with the wishes of parents. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Shallow Ford Foundation announces college and job training assistance programs for 2023, Titan Tattler: March will be a busy month at West Forsyth, Clemmons Fire Department receives upgraded insurance rating. Education First. It is classified as a mid-sized city school district by the National Center for Education Statistics. I want to serve to make both areas [] Michael Hardman for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education, Pfafftown, North Carolina. Administrative Implemental Procedures: 1. Jan. 5 marked the beginning of a new era for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. Rather than hiring experts to come in and sell us a new program and tell our teachers how to do their jobs, we need to ask our teachers what they need, and do our best to provide that. Published 3:01 pm Sunday, November 6, 2022. Felicia Quick is a Long Term Substitute at Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools based in Winston Salem, North Carolina.