Board approves rubber composite floor for West Forsyth HS after asbestos tests

The Winston‑Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education on June 25 approved replacing the auxiliary gym floor at West Forsyth High School with a rubber composite recycled surface after staff said existing VCT tile tested positive for asbestos and recommended removal before classes resume.

Public commenters with direct ties to West Forsyth urged the board to choose a composite surface rather than hardwood. Coach and teacher Richard Sugg told the board that many activities using the auxiliary gym — wrestling, cheerleading and JROTC — produce wear that makes a hardwood surface impractical: "Hardwood floors would be pretty, and they would be neat, but they would not be better," he said.

Alan Daniel told the board he supported immediate replacement because the existing flooring is contaminated: "Every time a tile breaks, it exposes children and staff to asbestos," Daniel said, urging that the work proceed promptly. District staff told the board contractor schedules call for tile removal to begin in about two weeks so the space will be safe and usable before school starts.

Operations staff presented a 15‑year cost comparison showing that while both hardwood and composite systems carry maintenance costs, the composite surface can be patched and restriped in place without wholesale replacement; staff noted a possible major repair estimate of about $25,000 over the 15‑year timeframe if there is excessive wear or improper care. The board approved the recommendation unanimously.

Next steps cited by staff include initiating asbestos abatement, contracting for composite floor installation and coordinating athletics schedules during construction.