Position/philosophy statement
As a proud public school parent, I’ve seen firsthand the excellent education our three children have received in WS/FCS. I will advocate tirelessly for our students, educators, staff, and parents.
Current Occupation
Small Business Owner
Campaign Phone
336345-5349
For the last 22 years, I’ve called Forsyth County home. I'm a small-business owner and mom of three kids–two of whom have graduated from WS/FCS, one who’s a senior at Reynolds High School, and all of whom have benefited from an excellent education here. Originally from France, I became an American citizen in 2006.
As a small business owner, I’ll bring my problem-solving skills to the board: I’m constantly needing to adapt to new market realities, just as WS/FCS needs to adapt. I bring a unique perspective since I’m an immigrant who grew up with a totally different school system in France. I will also leave my ego at the door–I’m not running as a stepping-stone for higher office or for any personal agenda.
They hire and evaluate the superintendent.
They must act as good stewards in balancing the budget.
They set educational goals and policies.
They follow the curriculum outlined by the NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI).
They don't manage the day-to-day operations, make decisions as individuals. All decisions are decided with a majority vote (5 votes).
They have no taxing authority. The WS/FCS budget is based on money allocated by the state, the federal government, and Forsyth County.
WS/FCS has 8,427 Exceptional Children (EC) students—16.5% of its total enrollment. However, the state only funds EC services for 6,605 students because North Carolina caps EC funding at 13% of enrollment.
WS/FCS is legally required to serve all 8,427 EC students, meaning the district must cover the cost of 1,822 students without state funding. This unfunded mandate amounts to $7.4 million.
WS/FCS needs to advocate for more funding from the General Assembly, specifically to fill the gap. EC students' services should be a budget priority when money becomes available.
We are currently losing a lot of teachers because they’ve lost trust. The Superintendent's priority should be to regain the trust of teachers so they can see better days ahead. Teachers should have a seat at the table when big decisions are made that impact them directly.
That said, the new teachers pipeline in North Carolina is also getting lower and lower because the state does not compensate our teachers enough. We need to pay our teachers a higher salary. Sadly, North Carolina currently ranks 43rd in the nation for K-12 public school teacher salaries. Until the General Assembly changes course, it will be difficult for all NC districts, not just ours, to attract and retain qualified educators.
Early childhood education is crucial for future academic performance. What happens between 0 and 5 often determines the trajectory of a student. WS/FCS should advocate with the General Assembly and the County to have universal Pre-K in Forsyth County.
The current underfunding of our public schools can’t continue. NC ranks 50th out of 51 (including DC) in funding level after adjusting for regional cost-of-living differences. (Only Idaho ranks lower.) Underfunding doesn’t just affect academic achievement, it directly impacts the safety, stability, and well-being of children and school staff. Fewer dollars mean fewer counselors, fewer support staff, larger class sizes, and fewer resources to meet students’ needs.
I would like to see the school board create an Advocacy Committee. As school board members, we should be advocating for more funding and regularly meet with our elected officials to share our needs and find solutions to meet these needs. We should have a common legislative agenda with the county. The county, not the state, is having to shoulder more and more of the cost of educating our children, which impacts our property taxes.
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Position/philosophy statement
I believe that public education is the foundation of our community. We can draw businesses and people to Forsyth County with a strong education system.
Current Occupation
School Social Worker
Age (optional)
56
Campaign Phone
336-960-0602
As a school social worker with over 25 years in North Carolina Schools, I have a long history of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. I listen to understand, not just to give a response. I believe in public education and have advocated for it to be funded at a higher level and for the resources for students and educators. I will work to make certain that we advocate for the needs of our students and educators to ensure that they are successful, regardless of where the school is located or the students in the school.
The most important responsibilities of a school board member are to oversee the budget, hire and evaluate the superintendent, and adopt policies.
At this time, we need to have qualified educators in every classroom and not long-term subs. We need to keep our students physically and emotionally safe. We need to partner with community organizations that can provide programming that the school would have traditionally provided. We may access our volunteer pool to have more volunteers in the building during morning arrival, lunches, and dismissal. Needs are to be prioritized based on what has a direct impact on the children's ability to learn and receive a quality education,
We first have to work on the trust and lack of morale in the district. We have to start with acknowledging that there is a problem and being willing to begin to address it. We have to listen to the educators district-wide and find out from them what needs to change or be done to make the district welcoming to educators.
Pre-K programs are vital to the district. Those programs can help students become school-ready. There are basic academic and social skills that are taught. Programs like these help with the narrowing of the achievement gap and increase the likelihood that children will start school on a more level playing field. Students who may need educational supports can be identified earlier and receive services.
Public education is important for us as a community. I have advocated for public schools to be fully funded. Every school should have the resources in the form of people as well as tangible items to help them reach their fullest potential.
Position/philosophy statement
I believe my experience on the school board from 2006-2022 working with 4 different boards will be valuable in this new board in rebuilding trust both inside the district and in the greater community.
Current Occupation
Retired PA
Age (optional)
69
Campaign Phone
3369726257
I served on the board for 16 years with many other board members and understand what practices make a board work for both better and worse. I have a Masters degree in Bioethics which is focused on addressing complicated decisions with competing needs. I practiced medicine for 30 years and have learned to both listen carefully, diagnose, and treat a diversity of people and those skills are needed on a school board.
Hiring and overseeing the Superintendent. Developing relationships with the range of stakeholders and gathering as much input as you can to make good decisions. Overseeing the budget and the calendar. Being a strong, broad advocate for your district. Focusing on your most important constituents- STUDENTS.
Most critical issue is of course the classroom! Adequate teachers, admin, special personnel like speech pathologists, school psychologists, librarians, ESL teachers, EC teachers, classified employees and all others who support student learning. State law gives funding for many of these positions but not nearly enough-and not enough to meet the needs of our current students.
Our district has suffered a huge drop in trust and restoring that must be the highest priority for our district. Until our teachers trust us again it will be very difficult to recruit and retain qualified teachers.
Pre-K is certainly very helpful for children before entering kindergarten and should be funded across the state.
I love this district and built solid trusting relationships with a large range of people inside the district. I think this is vitally important going forward.
Position/philosophy statement
NC
Current Occupation
high school social studies teacher
Campaign Phone
3362878854
Campaign Youtube URL
I have been a public school teacher in North Carolina since 2004. I hold educator licenses in social studies in grades 6-12 and as school administrator K-12. I'm also a National Board Certified teacher since 2009. My ability to develop students' critical thinking skills, identify and solve complex problems in classrooms and the rest of the school building was forged by my upbringing in New York City, a truly international place, as well as my time as US Army paratrooper where I was an infantryman who served in active ground combat in Afghanistan from 2002-2003.
By far the most important responsibility is comprehensive oversight of every aspect of the school system. Recruiting and hiring the best possible leaders to run the day to day affairs of the district and then strictly monitor their work with regular reviews of quantitative and qualitative data.
WSFCS is in dire need of a top to bottom review and reduction of the Central Office leadership team. Creating the most efficient and lean organizational structure will free up much needed resources to pay off debt and revitalize the financial health of the district.
Unfortunately the reputation of the school district is at a tipping point teetering on complete collapse. The only thing standing in the way of that collapse are the remaining teachers, students and families. We must honor those peoples' commitment and loyalty by redirecting funds to teacher pay, instructional resources and the best, most experienced principals as possible. Each school and their staffs must have the complete autonomy to create learning communities that can meet the needs of their students.
Some research indicates the pre-K programs can help prepare students for success in elementary school.
I'd be humbled to have the honor of representing Forsyth County at large as a school board member to improve the school system in this time of dire crisis. I am dedicated to do that work. #helpisontheway
