Winston Salem Forsyth County Schools tackles budget uncertainty and staffing decisions

The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education convened on April 8, 2025, to address several pressing issues regarding personnel decisions and budgetary concerns. The meeting began with a discussion on the automatic administrative placement of employees vying for the same position, emphasizing that service to the district would serve as a tiebreaker.

Board Member Cairn raised questions about whether senior staff had been asked to take pay cuts, prompting a response that confirmed all members of the senior team had agreed to volunteer furlough days as part of budget-saving measures. The specifics of these furloughs will be detailed in the upcoming budget presentation.

The board then shifted focus to the potential restructuring of teacher positions, particularly the feasibility of transitioning some staff to a 10-month contract with additional summer work opportunities. Human Resources representatives indicated that while they had not yet run the numbers on this proposal, they were open to exploring it further, contingent on identifying appropriate funding sources.

Concerns were also voiced regarding non-instructional support contracts, with Board Member Cairn requesting a breakdown of a $4 million line item related to these services. The administration acknowledged the oversight in providing this information and committed to delivering the details promptly.

Board Member Miller expressed gratitude that the proposed reduction in force (RIF) plan would not impact student-facing positions and requested regular updates on the budget and fund balance at each meeting. This sentiment was echoed by other board members, who emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in financial reporting.

Board Member Barr articulated concerns about the reliability of financial information previously provided to the board, referencing a significant discrepancy in audit findings. This raised questions about the communication processes between the CFO, superintendent, and the board, with Barr seeking assurance that these issues had been addressed.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to improve financial oversight and communication, as board members expressed a collective desire for clarity and confidence in the district's financial stewardship moving forward. The board plans to continue these discussions in future meetings, ensuring that all members are informed and engaged in the decision-making process.