These are preparatory experiences that will aid them further in life. When it comes to the five District 1 candidates running, I think I stand out through the work that I have done and continue to do in the community when it comes to education, as well as the work that I have done as an educator in K-12 and higher education. Jennifer Castillo is the only Democrat running in District 2 and will not be on the primary ballot. Please subscribe to keep reading. I am already serving and advocating for students and educators, so the work is familiar to me. i. I am uniquely qualified to provide experience and expertise to face WSFCS' biggest challenge which is our low reading proficiency rate, 38.1%. Republican voters may choose four candidates from the ballot. Find the District you live in at demnc.co/distr. That's just due diligence., However, in a blog post from earlier this year, Absher wrote that social-emotional learning is rotten to the core and has no place in WSFC schools., In a WFDD questionnaire, Barr wrote that the school district should prioritize the correct role and responsibilities of our guidance counselors in the school., This role needs to be prioritized and we need to hire more counselors to ensure support for our students, teachers, and faculty, he wrote. The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education approved a $125,000 contract Tuesday night for a new after school program.The program is called Transforming Teens, and aims to address . 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. Nine members of the W-S/Forsyth County Board of Education will be elected this year with a primary election in May and general election in November. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Complete Application: Submit an application for Job 255: Substitute Teacher. Screening: Completed applications (must include proof of education and references) will be screened and candidates who are selected will receive an email invitation to attend a required virtual Substitute Workshop. At-large Democratic candidate Sabrina Coone-Godfrey is a mother of two, a reading tutor, and was a finalist for the districts 2022 Volunteer of the Year award. I was the principal of Kimberley Park Elementary, Julian Gibson Elementary School and Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy School. I also have two children who are WSFCS students and two children now in college. 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. There are five candidates running for four seats in District 2. The district hopes to reduce the number of out-of-school suspensions with this code, but that is still an option as a consequence for higher-level offenses. Robert Barr, District 2, Republican 1) Describe any experience you have in a public school environment, whether that be as a teacher, administrator, coach, staff member, current member of the school board, substitute teacher, PTA involvement, etc. The Forsyth County Association of Educators has advocated for a great, quality education for all students. As a former teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal, principal, central office employee, parent, and grandparent in our school system, I feel I have the experience and first hand knowledge of the commitment needed for a successful educational community. 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. The Board of Education, nor the schools, teachers, or staff, are responsible for influencing inclusivity, she said. If you have previously applied for a job opportunity in our system using TeacherMatch, your application will remain active until February 28 or when the posting closes, whichever is sooner. Working as a paralegal for Litigation Attorneys has taught me to be fast paced and a critical thinker. Force them to do something that they might not necessarily want to do, but now they have to do because of their actions. There needs to be discussion between the community and with the board of education. 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. Balance the budget, cut out wasteful spending and maintain a budget that is predictable and sustainable from year to year. BOARD POLICY: All school employees will take appropriate action in reporting suspected abuse and/or neglect cases (physical and/or mental) to the proper authorities in accordance with State statutes. We should set up an open line, a "hot line," if you will, where teachers can air out their ongoing challenges directly to the board and have them addressed in a timely manner. My passion for students and the teaching profession has no bounds. Teacher morale is very important for the success of our schools, and protecting teacher pay should be top priority for our board. In a crowded school board election, how do you stand out among candidates? 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. Right now, that argument is difficult to make. Donate. That is simply not possible. Elrod agreed, saying in-school suspensions allow school staff to work with students on their behavior. Assisting in the selection . I have read and responded to hundreds and hundreds of emails and have advocated for numerous students and staff. I taught 14 years in Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools. It appears with school board operations a lack of checks and balances. Our District is diligently working to expand mental health access, school counseling as well as working with other community providers who focus on different aspects of emotional health, she wrote. More. They should not be relating to students regarding race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or religion.. Our goal is to create an academic environment where every student thrives.. I will listen to concerns and address those concerns. Teachers need respect. Nordic AMPlify is a partnership between Trade Promotion Offices (TPOs) in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, Winston-Salem startup support organizations Greater Winston-Salem, Inc., Winston . Always being an advocate throughout for various roles of my career. I really think this is something that needs to be done at home, he said. We must provide teachers with support, respect, and eliminate the barriers that keep them from doing what we hired them to do, TEACH OUR STUDENTS! Students cannot learn if they are not in school; but no student can learn in a chaotic environment. We must bring resources back into our buildings to take some of the demands off our educators. First, we must be open to listening and working with the teachers about their concerns. EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree, master's degree, Ed.S. EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in mathematics, Spelman College; bachelor's degree in architectural engineering, N.C. Published 3:01 pm Sunday, November 6, 2022. I am responsive to students, parents and staff. Voters in District 1 will pick 2 members, voters in District 2 pick 4 members, and all voters elect 3 At-Large members. I was an assistant principal at Southwest Elementary School in Clemmons. We must continue to lobby the legislature to fund public education by adhering to the Leandro Case findings and restoring the pay for advanced degrees. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). 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. What I'm concerned about is, again, the private companies that we use that get a nice chunk of our school budget, she said. News and public media do not highlight what teachers and administrators are doing behind the scenes to help students succeed. I see what is happening in our schools, and if something doesnt change the path we are on, it worries me we are failing to serve our children well. Our educators are leaving at an alarming rate. I care deeply about this community and will continue to make the best decisions with students as the priority. 3/3/2023 3:52 PM. One of the biggest things holding back the American public education system is a lack of teacher innovation, partially created by the enforcement of standardized testing and the Common Core curriculum. They also need to be compensated as college educated professionals. Coone-Godfrey participated in the creation of the district's new Student Code of Character, Conduct and Support, which was adopted earlier this year. The main question involving the District 2 race for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools . 2. Advocating for public schools, educators and students is my passion. The board will need to provide greater security resources on school campuses. Im going to ask that you state certain parts together because if ever there was a need for unity, its this board, Hartsfield continued. The school system's television station can be seen on Spectrum Cable throughout Forsyth County and anywhere online. 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. EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in political science (political institutions concentration), Elon University. We all pay a portion of respective incomes to support our public school system and it is up to us on the school board as leaders to give our teachers and students the tools they need to succeed. EDUCATION: Fine Arts Painting Degree from the Atlanta College of Art, OCCUPATION: Marketing director and client relations for Cannon Wealth Management. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Winston-Salem neighbors: Obituaries for February 26, Winston-Salem neighbors: Obituaries for March 3, Winston-Salem neighbors: Obituaries for February 28, Winston-Salem neighbors: Obituaries for February 27, Winston-Salem neighbors: Obituaries for March 1, Winston-Salem neighbors: Obituaries for March 2, Expensive homes on the market in Winston-Salem, Winston-Salem neighbors: Obituaries for March 4, Winston-Salem neighbors: Obituaries for February 24, Winston-Salem home listings for people who need a lot of living space. Money diverted to private schools and charter schools takes necessary funding away from public schools. Copyright 2022 The Winston-Salem Chronicle | All Rights reserved. I am the original "back to basics" candidate. Restore high expectations. EDUCATION: Master's in education, Wake Forest University; Bachelor's in education, Winston-Salem State University. So I want to make sure we know we have to build relationships.. Relationships are vital at every level in the educational community, including students and parents. I have been a volunteer and PTA member since my oldest started school in 2011. This country was founded on freedom and it works both ways you are free to be who you are and others are free to agree or not, Crowley wrote. I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Full-Time. As a parent, Im often on school grounds with other families and school staff several times a week. The lone Democratic candidate is Jennifer Castillo. Richard Watts, At-Large, Democrat 1) Describe any experience you have in a public school environment, whether that be as a teacher, administrator, coach, staff member, current member of the school board, substitute teacher, PTA involvement, etc. 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. Distractions and fear have led to an unprecedented teacher shortage, low morale, and failing scores among our students. The district served 54,707 students during the 2018-2019 school year and comprised 79 schools. After those questions were asked, the audience was given an opportunity to ask their own. They need to be supported with supplies, a safe environment, clean facilities, professional development, fewer students in each class, teachers assistants, and administrative support with student discipline. 2. Published 12:08 am Thursday, February 2, 2023. 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. i. If you have questions regarding a position posted in TeacherMatch, contact the Human Resources Department at 336-727-2786 or by email. Posted: June 28, 2022. how to solve trig functions without a calculatorhow to open otterbox ipad case Navigation. We need to become active listeners and doers from their recommendations. I possess the small business and entrepreneurial experience that most of the other candidates do not. These are basic needs that are not consistently being met across the board. Among the five candidates on the ballot to represent District 2 on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education is the name of Stan Elrod, who died unexpectedly on Oct. 25, just four days . There should be zero tolerance for bullying, or threatening behavior or language, by anyone associated with our schools toward anyone at any event associated with our schools.. I was the principal of Kimberley Park Elementary, Julian Gibson Elementary School and Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy School. 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. I have strong research skills and a desire to dig deep into the school system. With more parents choosing to home-school or sending their children to private or charter schools, make a case for public education. Instructor at Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools . There is a place and space for ALL students in public education. (3) updates to this series since Teach these subjects without political agenda or bias. Eleven of them attended a forum last week at R.J. Reynolds High School. There were a lot of topics covered Tuesday night during the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education work session. All citizens must have the opportunity to be engaged and provide input into what our schools should be doing to educate students and how to create a learning environment where staff are supported to do what is best for academic excellence.A: Academic Achievement: Our school system must seek ways to improve the educational success of all students in elementary, middle and high school. That means setting an expectation of excellence and respect throughout the district. Watts has worked in Forsyth County public education for more than 32 years as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, and principal. 4) Listen. I have experience as a prior student (1977 graduate of R.J. Reynolds Senior High School), as a parent (son, Lemuel, a 2017 graduate of R.J. Reynolds High School), as a recently retired teacher with 19 years of experience in the classroom as a HIGHLY QUALIFIED mathematics teacher on both the middle and high school level. 203 likes. c. Working in coordination with other basic education teachers and other departments in planning and developing the basic program. Share News Tips with WFDDCall 336-758-3083Submit Online, Eleven of the 14 Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education candidates gathered at the R.J. Reynolds High School Auditorium for a forum on Oct. 12, 2022. In my opinion, we have stacked the deck against the children by increasing the stress placed upon the teachers. Please subscribe to keep reading. 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. 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. A whopping 28 people have field to take one of nine seats on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education. EDUCATION: High Point Central High School, Meredith College, UNCG, OCCUPATION: Chairwoman of the WS/FCS Board of Education. My passion for students and the teaching profession has no bounds. Our daughter is attending Forsyth Tech and is planning to attend the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in the spring. After watching kids suffer academically, socially, and mentally through the Covid pandemic, it became a calling I could not ignore. The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education appointed Tricia McManus the 8th Superintendent of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools on February 23, 2021. Bohannon is a . Public education provides children with the opportunity to connect with and learn from those who are different from them, making them better human beings. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. EDUCATION:I have an Education Specialist Degree (Ed.S) from Appalachian State University. That puts the board in position for a major overhaul. I also received my master's degree from Appalachian State University and a bachelor's degree from Wake Forest University. Michael Hardman, GOP Primary Candidate for At-Large Seat, for the. Many have told me they cannot be openly conservative, they fear retaliation from their teacher and some classmates, Absher wrote.