Seven New Members to Join Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board

Seven new members will take office on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school board next month after the recent election changed leadership, 88.5 WFDD reported.

The upcoming transition marks a period of deep institutional change for the district. Only two incumbents successfully retained their seats, leaving a vast majority of the governing body to be filled by new voices. This turnover follows a period of instability for the district's administration and oversight.

Chairperson Deanna Kaplan, who did not run for re-election, addressed the departing members during their final meeting this week. Her departure comes on the heels of a district-wide financial crisis that pressured the previous administration.

Winston-Salem/Forsyth School Board reflects on progress and challenges ahead of new board transition — WXII 12 News

“We faced some tremendous challenges, supported one another through both the good times and the difficult ones,” Kaplan said. “And those experiences have created bonds that I know will last long after our service together has ended.”

The shift in personnel arrives as the district seeks to stabilize its fiscal footing and long-term educational strategy. While the loss of experienced incumbents presents a challenge for continuity, the incoming members are already engaging with the current leadership to ensure a smooth handoff of responsibilities.

During public comment at the final meeting, incoming board members Lee Childress and Ronda Mays spoke about the importance of maintaining institutional memory. Mays specifically addressed the outgoing members, emphasizing that their previous efforts remain a cornerstone for the community’s future success.

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“Don’t take too long of a break, because the historical knowledge that you have and the work that you’ve done, it is a value to our community as a whole,” Mays told 88.5 WFDD.

The suddenness of the turnover—with seven out of nine seats effectively changing hands—will likely force the new board to move quickly on pending budgetary and policy decisions. For parents and taxpayers in the Winston-Salem area, the immediate priority will be observing how this new cohort manages the lingering effects of the district’s recent financial difficulties.