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Teachers and community members press board for staffing and a clearer budget as superintendent warns of funding gap
Summary
At the March 31 WSFCS board meeting teachers and community leaders urged the board to prioritize hiring and retention amid understaffing and budget uncertainty; Superintendent Phipps outlined priorities and warned a 1,550‑student ADM loss could reduce state funds about $11 million for 2026‑27.
At the Winston‑Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education meeting on March 31, teachers and community members urged the board to present a budget that addresses ongoing staffing shortages and prevents further turnover.
"Will you choose to be a champion for our profession?" asked Riley Barnes, a third‑grade teacher at Kimmel Farm Elementary and FCAE building leader, during the public comment period. Barnes said staff are "dropping like flies," described loss of custodial staff, counselors and administrators, and called on Superintendent Phipps and board members to approve a budget that restores positions and supports retention.
Several other teachers and association leaders reiterated that theme. Jenny Easter, president of the Forsyth County Association of Educators, said the community expected three distinct budget proposals to be published so residents can compare options and engage; Heather Morgan and Abby Brooks urged full funding of classrooms and Exceptional Children (EC) supports, with Brooks…
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