Board approves Sept. 15 as teacher workday to support RIF transitions

The Winston‑Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education voted unanimously to make Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, a teacher workday to allow principals and staff time to transition schedules and responsibilities after the district’s reduction in force.

Interim Superintendent Kathy Moore said principals requested the date during a virtual meeting to provide time for staff to review student schedules, Individualized Education Programs, co‑teaching assignments and other operational changes before students return. The board considered three options and approved option B, which designates Sept. 15 as a teacher workday and uses the district’s banked time; the Oct. 14 district professional development day remains on the calendar.

State statute requires a minimum of 1,025 instructional hours, Moore said; option B would provide about 1,062 instructional hours, exceeding the statutory minimum and leaving additional banked time available if needed. Several principals who spoke in support said the day would help new and reassigned staff review IEPs and ensure continuity of services.

What it means for families: the board and superintendent said students will not attend school on Sept. 15 and the district has contacted community providers about capacity for child care on that date. The calendar change requires board approval and was adopted during the meeting.