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. c. Working in coordination with other basic education teachers and other departments in planning and developing the basic program. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Donate. Here's a look at the candidates. Four of the candidates are Republican: Leah Crowley, Stanley Elrod, Steve Wood, and Robert Barr. Republican and former Reagan High School principal Stanley Elrod . The schools with the most short-term suspensions statewide were CMS with 21,411, Wake County Schools with 11,355, and then Winston Salem/Forsyth County Schools with 10,160 short-term suspensions. In many schools, teaching is the focus when education should be focused on student learning. The Forsyth County Association of Educators has advocated for a great, quality education for all students. One of the biggest things that we can do as board members is to listen and hear what our educators have to say. by Tevin Stinson. I am a veteran educator with over 30 years of service teaching and volunteering in the public schools. However, there's also a closing of the loop, where those students can also be brought back to restoration. I especially support the innovative financing mechanisms that make options available to all children: education savings accounts, vouchers, and tuition tax credits. Our goal is to create an academic environment where every student thrives.. We need to get back to focusing on the core education of our children. Three of the at-large candidates are Republican: Michael Hardman, Sarah Absher, and Allen Daniel. 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. Get Involved. 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. c. Working in coordination with other basic education teachers and other departments in planning and developing the basic program. b. Jennifer Castillo is the only Democrat running in District 2 and will not be on the primary ballot. Copyright 2022 The Winston-Salem Chronicle | All Rights reserved. I taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades at Moore Elementary. Get Directions. Not all candidates were given the chance to answer the questions at the forum, but they did provide written responses that were shared with attendees. To show support for teachers I would: 1) Schedule periodical Town Hall meetings for all educators. 203 likes. Public school educators and school leaders' main focus is the best education possible for all public school students. 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. After those questions were asked, the audience was given an opportunity to ask their own. Meeting Minutes. FOLLOW BG ON SOCIAL MEDIA . Posted: June 13, 2022. The school s North Carolina can be a benchmark for Americas teachers. WS/FCS Board of Education Chair Malishai . Providing for his/her own professional growth through an ongoing program of reading, workshops, seminars, conferences and/or advanced course work at . . Apply now. Where there's an all-out brawl, if someone is injured, hurt, or something happens, there is accountability and consequences for behaviors, Coone-Godfrey said. 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. If you have questions regarding a position posted in TeacherMatch, contact the Human Resources Department at 336-727-2786 or by email. If you dont use it, the Bb footer will slide up. 4) Listen. I like that we have a lot of educational options in Forsyth County. It is classified as a mid-sized city school district by the National Center for Education Statistics. Both women are Republicans. The local community also must embrace and support the school community by finding ways to show respect for educators. I do my research. My experience in education causes me to stand out among the other candidates. Elrod agreed, saying in-school suspensions allow school staff to work with students on their behavior. Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is located in Forsyth County, North Carolina. I will continue that practice as a board member. Parts of our recommendations are now part of the new WSFCS mission and vision. These areas are the basics of a productive educational environment, so I think the majority of board members would support these solutions. Address technical requirements, keeping abreast of State Board of Education policies My passion for students and the teaching profession has no bounds. Teachers need respect. We must continue to find ways to decrease and close achievement gaps. Assisting in the selection of books, equipment and other instructional . h***@sfcs.k12.nc.us. Please make sure you include all . Brian Schultz, CMS chief of operations, told The Charlotte . If a student cannot conduct themselves in a manner that allows everyone in the classroom to feel safe, to teach, and to learn, there needs to be an alternative setting for them. Teachers are on the front lines, and change is impossible without speaking up. Find the District you live in at demnc.co/distr. Job number one of our school district is to educate students and prepare them for that next thing, whether it's a career, or a two-year or four-year continuing education, Hardman said, adding that he didnt think the district was doing this as well as it could. 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. I know you don't need to suspend them out of school because there are environments that they don't need to be in. 38-2223. 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. Incentivize and reward teachers for achievement in the classroom. Meeting Minutes. Engage via Email. Students cannot learn if they are not in school; but no student can learn in a chaotic environment. Full-time Estimated: $40.7K - $51.6K a year 4 . Ive attended countless sporting events, PTA meetings, parent conferences, and awards ceremonies in elementary, middle and, high schools. Each parent should continue to make that decision. Balance the budget, cut out wasteful spending and maintain a budget that is predictable and sustainable from year to year. 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. The winners will advance to the general election in November. Democrats Andrea Bramer and Elisabeth Motsinger decided not to run for re-election, leaving Democrat Deanna Kaplan, the current board chairwoman, as the lone incumbent. I also received my master's degree from Appalachian State University and a bachelor's degree from Wake Forest University. The Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools have policies that protect student diversity. 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. Everyone deserves someone who sees you. Advocating for public schools, educators and students is my passion. Students and adults must feel safe daily as they go about the work of teaching and learning. Additionally, we need to listen more closely to them and work together to create the best possible environment we can in the classroom. And that's the way we redirect that behavior.. 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. I am a concerned parent. 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. Assisting in the selection of books, equipment and other instructionalmaterials.j. Often, if personnel and/or funding is decreased, the program falters, or it is removed. I am running for the WS/FCS school board because I would like to see our school system become the best in the state at education and providing the best opportunities for all students. The main question involving the District 2 race for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools . Watts has worked in Forsyth County public education for more than 32 years as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, and principal. I am married to a retired school teacher. The Board of Education, nor the schools, teachers, or staff, are responsible for influencing inclusivity, she said. 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. A few have said that implementation comes from high up and then they are expected to make it work whether they agree with it or not. Less repetitive professional development and more time to plan during the school day. Published 12:10 am Thursday, November 3, 2022. . Email. An environment that is nurturing, caring as well balanced with local law enforcement initiatives. In addition, all voters may vote for at-large candidates. Because I am currently a classroom teacher and teacher leader in my building, I truly understand what teachers really need. I was an assistant principal at Southwest Elementary School in Clemmons. Establishing a program for college students or recent grads to become teaching assistants or aides for tuition reimbursement would greatly benefit our teachers and students. The public school experience isnt perfect, but it is authentic and a truer reflection of the world they will navigate post-graduation. News and public media do not highlight what teachers and administrators are doing behind the scenes to help students succeed. Distractions and fear have led to an unprecedented teacher shortage, low morale, and failing scores among our students. Both of our children graduated from the Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools. Such licensing would help make uniformly high standards from state to state and allow teachers to transfer their credentials when they move quickly. There are four District 2 board members on the nine-person board. Teach these subjects without political agenda or bias. 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. It is possible that it could turn into a "complaint line," but I am sure there will be legitimate issues raised that perhaps we hadn't thought of, and that deserve to be addressed. If that requires additional funding, we need to ask our state and county for additional funds. These are basic needs that are not consistently being met across the board. It is imperative that quality education be available for every student. PLEASE ALSO NOTE: SLP vacancies may change. NEWS. I was a classroom teacher at Wiley Middle School. Felicia Quick is a Long Term Substitute at Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools based in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Watts also spoke about the importance of building relationships in schools. The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education voted to appoint Alex B. Bohannon (Democrat) as a board member at its . Winston Salem/Forsyth County Schools Location Winston-Salem, NC, US Salary Competitive. EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in sociology with a concentration in criminology, UNC-Greensboro, OCCUPATION: Case management in the human services field. I have also been a registered Republican all my life where other candidates have recently switched their party affiliation prior to running in this election. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Michael HardmanRepublicanAt-large1) 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.As a father of three children in the public school system for the last 13 years, Ive seen our schools from many perspectives. Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools Board of Education names new member. Democratic primary for Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools school board At-Large (3 seats) Incumbent Deanna Frazier Kaplan , Richard Watts , and Sabrina Coone-Godfrey defeated Kimberly Stone in the Democratic primary for Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools school board At-Large on May 17, 2022. View more Job Category Teaching, Elementary Education Teacher, Support Staff, Facilities / Groundskeeping Grade Level Elementary School. 2. 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. Ideas would be speaking with teachers about their needs and then implementing those needs. 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. Platform. Once students get to middle school, I have no problem with holding them accountable for passing a standardized test at the end of the year to prove their proficiency. Planning. Voters in District 1 will pick 2 members, voters in District 2 pick 4 members, and all voters elect 3 At-Large members. It's about getting to the root of the problem. Absher is a nurse and mother of two children. A VOTE for Trevonia Brown-Gaither "BG" for WSFCS Board of Education ensures you have a S-E-A-T- at the table concerning the education of our children. This is the disclaimer text. The 2023-24 calendar reflects the districts best efforts to reconcile these protocols with the wishes of parents. All students are equally important, he wrote. Apply now. Schools should be inclusive of all types of people and help others to better understand and tolerate differences, even if we dont identify with them. If It is working, then we must commit to it for the success of our students.3) What would you do as a member of the BOE to establish relationships with the schools and students outside of being present for all meetings?I pledge to visit schools to see the facilities as well to meet staff and students and to ask the questions: what are we doing well? We have up-to-date resources, technology, research-based curriculum and activities. Public schooling also gave me opportunities to learn from students and families that were economically and socially diverse. The goal for any parent is to give their child the best that life has to offer so they can grow, learn to become productive citizens in our society. A persons story is always a powerful tool to help people understand their journey.. 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. My passion for students and the teaching profession has no bounds. No case for public education with current curriculum and safety issues. WS/FCS Board of Education Meeting Broadcasts & Recordings, Weather Related School Closings or Delays, WS/FCS Blackboard Mass Notification System. 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. In her answer to a question about school security, Kaplan wrote about the importance of mental health. I am currently serving on two School Improvement Teams, Im a Reading Warrior, school building volunteer, Book Fair chair, PTA president, PTA vice president and a part of the Parent/Caregiver Focus Group for the district's Code of Character and Conduct. Unfortunately, the problem needs to be addressed at the federal level with changes to policies that will change the public education system. Many of our teachers have been feeling unappreciated and our school system has not treated them as professionals. EDUCATION:Graduate of Winston-Salem State University, bachelor's degree in political science/public administration (pub. There are 14 candidates vying for nine seats on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education. 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. What ideas do you have for supporting teachers during what some have called the most challenging year of their careers? Heres how other candidates answered the question about inclusivity, and more: Including Coone-Godfrey and Garner, there are seven at-large candidates, and only three at-large seats available on the board. With more parents choosing to home school or sending their children to private or charter schools, make a case for public education. 2022 school board race: A look at the candidates for Winston-Salem/Forsyth Board of Education. I also have two children who are WSFCS students and two children now in college. I know what it is like to meet payroll every other week and I know how to analyze the risk/benefit tradeoffs that come with running a small business. 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. Read through the obituaries published today in Winston-Salem Journal. Decrease unnecessary assessments that inhibit teachers from having time to teach. Teachers need the full backing and support from administration/school board. For public schools, certain things are mandated by the state and the federal government to ensure that all children have equitable access to quality education. For my family, public schools have been a great choice. Thank you for your interest in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Career Opportunities! I want to serve to make both areas [] With the revised supplement, all teachers and certified staff will now get only $1,800 per teacher and the beginning teacher . I have continued to volunteer and am currently a volunteer with my sons marching band.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?The biggest issues facing students are the lack of safety in our schools and the chaos in the classroom for many. 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. i. I am present in our public schools through tutoring, substitute teaching and other volunteer work. One of those topics focused on the . But first, we need to find out why so many positions go unfilled. After watching kids suffer academically, socially, and mentally through the Covid pandemic, it became a calling I could not ignore. 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. 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. EDUCATION: Master's in education, Wake Forest University; Bachelor's in education, Winston-Salem State University. There were a lot of topics covered Tuesday night during the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education work session. Voters may vote for candidates in their district and for the three at-large seats. EDUCATION: Associate degree in nursing and bachelor's degree in health administration. I have spent the better part of my parenting life trying to be my sons advocate. Republicans Jason Lucero and Stephen Wood did not respond questions from the Journal. Coone-Godfrey participated in the creation of the district's new Student Code of Character, Conduct and Support, which was adopted earlier this year. 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.