Voter Guide for Forsyth County School Board & County Commission 2022

Party: Democratic

Occupation: School District Volunteer and SAHM

Background: I have 2 children in the WS/FCS – 2nd & 8th grader. I’ve been a Volunteer for the past 9 yrs in my children’s schools. I am a PTA President, V. Pres., SIT Member, Reading Warrior & District Level Vol. I also serve on other committees. I have been an advocate for students, teachers & schools.

What are you top 2 or 3 priorities if elected?  Funding – Obtain funding that allows our schools & educators to have the resources to grow our students.  Communication – Foster & build relationships with the community – implement District Level Parent/Staff/Student Involvement Teams that interact with the Board of Education and Superintendent.

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?  We need to make sure that we are offering and communicating the services to all of our families; ensuring that they are accessible to those who may need them in a different format and help them through the process.

Website: Sabrina4BOE.com

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Board Chair of the Winston-Salem Forsyth County Board of Education

Background: Current Chair of WSFCS Board of Education. PTA president, SIT committee,

Finance Committee Chair, Climate Culture and Equity Committee Chair, Substitute Teacher, Tutor for Reading Warriors. Soon to mentor in schools. Completed numerous education and leadership training workshops.

What are you top 2 or 3 priorities if elected?  Teacher Recruitment and Retention. Adequate pay to attract the best teachers. Competitive Pay for our support staff, custodians, cafeteria workers and bus drivers. Catch our kids up from the learning they lost during the pandemic. Third Grade Literacy. Closing the Achievement gap.

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?  Having a high quality and high performing diverse teaching staff. Making sure students have access to quality instructional materials and resources. Focus on an inclusive environment and culture where every student feels capable, connected and cared for (the three C’s).

Website: facebook.com/DeannaKaplan4SchoolBoard; DeannaKaplanForSchoolBoard.com

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Marketing Director and Client Relations

Background: Parent volunteer and advocate for learning disabilities for over a decade.

What are you top 2 or 3 priorities if elected?  mental health in students, teachers and staff, teacher retention, gaps in learning

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?  Create additional workshops that include parents. Offer more resources and opportunity for affordable avenues toward a future in a trade career or tuition incentives or reimbursement.

Website: Vote4KimberlyMStone.com

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Crosby Scholars Coordinator of African American Males Pursuing Educational Dreams (AAMPED)

Background: I was a classroom teacher at Wiley Middle School. I was an assistant principal at Southwest Elementary School in Clemmons. I was the principal of Kimberley Park Elementary, Julian Gibson Elementary School and Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy School. Principal of the year twice by my peers.

What are you top 2 or 3 priorities if elected?  We must fund a research-based curriculum that will improve our reading and math scores at the elementary level. We must find ways to give respect to our education community. In building respect, we must let our teachers teach.

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?  We must do everything that we can  to eliminate the achievement gaps in our schools. What is working across the country? Are we able to replicate success with resources, funding, and commitment. People with passion, heart, knowledge, and resources can find ways to end the gaps.

Website: RWattsFor2022.wixsite.com/my-site

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Resident Leader for Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods

Background: I’m a native of WS, my WSSU degree, poli-sci/pub adm gives me a foundation to understand the politics that surrounds education. My familiarity with the school system, substituting, PTA parent liaison &  working on impact committees  allows me to bring a well-rounded educational perspective.

What are you top 2 or 3 priorities if elected?  Assess the school choice program, (transportation, and annual district budget). Ensure every child in WSFCS is college/workforce ready. Create a safe environment in WSFCS for students, staff, administration and educators.

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?  Collect data from the community to gain information about the racial inequities and gaps. Recruit and hire male/minority teachers, specifically African American, & administrators & support staff. Continue to finance the Parent Home Coordinator program and Parent Family Engagement.

Website: facebook.com/ChenitaBarberJohnsonForSchoolBoard

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Jr. Policy Analyst

Background: My background ranges from working in the community with grassroots organizations, teaching middle/high school, working in higher education as an advisor, and currently working as a policy analyst. I hold a B.A., M.S., Ed.S, and currently working on an Ed.D focusing on the school-to-prison pipeline.

What are you top 2 or 3 priorities if elected?  My top two priorities are equity and the achievement gap. All students deserve a quality and equitable education, no matter their background. We must fight to ensure that happens. The achievement gap is alarming and speaks values. These gaps must be closed at all costs, this will benefit students!

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?  The Board of Education should address the disparities as honestly as possible. They cannot solve problems or at least help create solutions if they avoid root causes of the disparities. Doing this will not yield the results the Board of Education or the school system wishes to have.

Website: facebook.com/Join-Johnson-For-District-1-104605392180927

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Teacher/Multi-Classroom Leader (MCL)

Background: I have 30 years experience working for WS/FCS System as a Multi-Classroom Leader, Teacher Academy Leader, Classroom Teacher, Mentor and a Teacher Assistant. I am an active member and representative of FCAE/NCAE for over 20 years. I have served in various leadership roles during my teaching career.

What are you top 2 or 3 priorities if elected?  My passion has always been to provide a platform for the voiceless. Whereas, it promotes convenience, risk-taking and thinking outside the box, to get the job done. I have maintained positive relationships with my students, parents and colleagues, whereas they feel supported and respected.

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?  First, you have to believe all students can learn despite any disparities, socio-economic status, or race. During my teaching career, I have seen first-hand at what students can do when they have a sense of belonging, drive, and desire to learn. That’s what the BOE needs to believe and promote.

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Human Resources Analyst

Background: I am a proud graduate of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System and have served on the board of education for the past year. Prior to serving on the board of education I served on a variety of committees with the school district.

What are you top 2 or 3 priorities if elected?  High Quality Instruction for all children. Cultural Infusion Across all content areas, and a positive and supportive workplace culture for all district employees.

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?  The Board should do everything in its power to ensure that marginalized students have access to the same quality education and resources as all other children in the district.

Website: AlexBohannon.com

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Retired Educator

Background: 19 years of experience as a Middle and High School Mathematics Teacher in the WSFCS. A graduate of the WSFCS where my mother retired after 25 years as an elementary teacher in the same system. I am a product of two generations of educators of both my maternal and paternal family.

What are you top 2 or 3 priorities if elected?  My platform is “…ensure a S-E-A-T at the table for education of our children and youth.”  S- safety, E- equity, A- advocacy, and T- transparency. Safety is a priority for our children, teachers and staff. Every child should have the same opportunity in order to be equitable across the system.

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?  All teachers, staff and administration should be required to take a class in cultural and ethnic differences. Teachers at low functioning schools need additional pay, an assistant and extra protected hours to plan, in order to attract and keep highly qualified seasoned teachers/staff/ administration.

Website: bg4wsfcs.com

One Democrat (Jennifer Castillo) filed for District 2 of the Board of Education and will be on the Nov. ballot. No Republicans filed for District 1.

Party: Republican

no response from candidate

Party: Republican

Occupation: Retired

Background: Longtime advocate, parent, volunteer, and educator in the district

What are you top 2 or 3 priorities if elected?  1. Give classroom educators the support and autonomy they need to provide every student in the district the opportunity for an excellent education. 2. Make sure every student not only has that opportunity, but understands the necessity and the value of an excellent education. 3. Restore excellence.

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?  The BoE should make certain there are enough highly qualified classroom educators, support staff, and qualified supportive admin at every school in the district to provide every child the opportunity for an excellent education. There should be no difference regardless of race or economics.

Website: facebook.com/DanielForSchoolBoard

Party: Republican

no response from candidate

Party: Republican

Occupation: I am a licensed Civil Engineer and Senior Project Manager with 23 years of experience.

Background: I was raised in the WSFCS schools and have three children currently enrolled. I have served in numerous leadership roles within my church, including at local, district, and conference roles. I have coached youth athletics for multiple seasons. I have a lifelong history of serving others.

What are you top 2 or 3 priorities if elected?  My BACK TO BASICS platform will bring success to WSFCS schools. Teach curriculum without bias. Reduce screen time. Teach children to use reason to make their own decisions. Learn to value oneself, each other, and our country. Restore high expectations. Balance the budget. Engage families.

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?  My BACK TO BASICS platform will benefit all students and families. I want to make curriculum and lesson materials easily available to families, and encourage families to participate and support from home. I want students to understand love and the value of service to others.

Website: hardman4schools.com

Party: Republican

Occupation: Retired

Background: BS Community Health Education; Licensed Life and Health Agent NC, VA; Over 30 years in medicine providing care for babies thru adults. Working as an advocate with Physicians and community to provide their needs from education to equipment.

What are you top 2 or 3 priorities if elected?  Transparent with budget (where is money being allocated and why); Breakfast and lunches need improvement; Principals to be more involved with decisions for their schools

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?  Every student deserves the same opportunities throughout Forsyth County. Since the current school board is controlled by the left, why are their disparities still existing?

Party: Republican

no response from candidate

Party: Republican

Occupation: mom of three, working with therapy dogs, photographer

Background: I have raised three children with dyslexia and have volunteered in our school systems for over 20 plus years.

What are you top 2 or 3 priorities if elected?  Build up our communities and support for the growing mental health issues in our schools.  Provide a wider variety of education options to families in the public systems, i.e. Montessori style teaching, inclusive programs for dyslexia, and expansion of IB programs to other schools.

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?  I will advocate for school choice and supplying students with the extra tools and support they need to achieve success.

Party: Republican

Occupation: Board of Education member

Background: I have lived in Winston-Salem since 2001 with Pat, my husband of 28 years. We have four children, who attend public schools. I have volunteered in over 40 schools in Forsyth County as a tutor, mentor, coach, substitute teacher, and facilitator helping third graders be aware of child abuse.

What are you top 2 or 3 priorities if elected?  The top priority is reading and math proficiency. Getting all teachers trained on the science of reading has helped. Creating safe environments for learning and working is also a priority. Recruiting/retaining educators is very important, especially with the stress of the past two difficult years.

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?  Each child, regardless of race or socioeconomic status, needs to be assessed and addressed. Individualized instruction helps each child reach their potential. Support systems need to be in place at each school to help all students become proficient and master the course standards.

Website: ElectLeahCrowley.com

Party: Republican

no response from candidate

Party: Republican

Website: facebook.com/forsythschoolboard

Occupation: Commercial contractor

Background: I have been on the WSFCS school board for 7 years. I was elected Vice Chairman of the Winston-Salem Forsyth County school board. I think experience is extremely important with all the issues we have facing us. I also am a top businesswomen running my own business for 36 years.

What are you top 2 or 3 priorities if elected?  The pandemic has put our students extremely behind. Our teachers need better supplies as well as more monies in their paycheck. Also, safety has become a major issue. More resources are needed for safety in our schools. These are top priorities as my run as a candidate.

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?  All kids should be treated equally. We have both summer services for our kids and hands on learning to help our kids spring forward. Hard work is done by our teachers to help with this along with additional summer work and support.

Party: Republican

Occupation: Service Director

Background: As a child that grew up in foster care and aged out I experienced firsthand the challenges of consistent education. I worked hard and studied harder. Having a child in our school system, I have learned about so many of the challenges that Educators, Parents and children are facing.

What are you top 2 or 3 priorities if elected?  1st, we need to get education first. 2nd, we need to reform our Educator comp plan and do a better job caring for them. We have to recruit and retain the best Educators in the country. 3rd, we need to get our School Board, Educators and Parents all working together.

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?  With the challenges we face with low income and race, if we invest in our educators, and engage the parents we can improve the education in these areas too. We must invest in the educators that can, and want to make a difference.

Website: LuceroForBOE.com; facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078126920630

Party: Republican

Occupation: Former Educator, over 2 decades in WSFCS

Background: Instructional Facilitator at Career Center, Curriculum Coordinator, Reading Specialist, Classroom Teacher, B.S.- Elementary Education,  M.Ed in Reading, Graduate of prestigious Piedmont Triad Leadership Academy, NC Administrative/Principal Licensure

What are you top 2 or 3 priorities if elected?  Critical Race Theory should not be taught in K-12 Education; Increase Reading Proficiency rate which has been greatly affected by pandemic; Parents matter, really matter as does School Choice!

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?  We must meet each student where they are and address each student accordingly with differentiated learning that provides a successful outcome for each student.

Website: ElectSusanMiller.com/6-2/

Party: Republican

Occupation: Registered Nurse

Background: Bachelor of Science in Health Administration and Associates Degree in Nursing.

What are you top 2 or 3 priorities if elected?  The top priorities would be better distribution of funding for the students, more nutritious school breakfast and lunches, smaller class sizes, in person parent teacher conferences, and more opportunities for communication and involvement of parents.

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?  The Board of Education should make sure all students have the opportunity to learn and grow and that each student is supported and empowered to the best of their academic ability.

Party: Republican

Occupation: Retired Educator

Background: I grew up in Mt. Airy, NC. I have lived in Winston Salem over 30 years. I have a BA in Spanish from UNC-G and a MSEd from the University of Southern California. I am a 30 year veteran  educator who has always been dedicated to serving  public school students, educators, parents and communities.

What are you top 2 or 3 priorities if elected?  1) Schedule evening Town Hall Talks with community leaders, parents and educators. Improvements in the WS/FCS District can be made with good communication. 2) Work with parents and community leaders to provide more after school activities for students in order to help students remain in school.

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?  Communicate with and get feedback from parents, community leaders, educators and the students themselves.

Party: Republican

Occupation: Retired Speaker Pro Tem NC House

Background: Grew up in Tobaccoville, attended Old Richmond and North Forsyth. Served in the NC House from 1985-2005. Chair of House Education Committee. Sponsored Charter School legislation.

What are you top 2 or 3 priorities if elected?  Accountability, Board elections, School Choice. I think the Board should consider requesting single member districts to elect Board members, enhanced parental choice. School safety and establish a textbook selection policy.

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?  Public school policy should address equality of opportunity for all students. Suggesting students cannot learn because of social or cultural background or economic conditions is inherently classist and racist.

Party: Republican

Occupation: Associate Pastor

Background: Masters in Education from Wake Forest-1999, Bachelors from Winston-Salem State University-1988, taught school for 14 years (grades  3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th), and worked as a curriculum coordinator, served on WSFC-School Board from 2014-2018, and currently serve as a Trustee at WSSU.

What are you top 2 or 3 priorities if elected?  Assess and create strategic plans for student growth and achievement. Create parental engagement programs to support parents and students. Provide teachers with resources, and additional personnel support in the classroom.

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?  A comprehensive analysis of data must be done. The analysis would have to include, but not limited to, students’ academic progress, types of instructors and administrators who impact the students, programs, buildings, etc. Based on the assessment, certain areas should be prioritized with budget.

Website: RobertBarrForSchoolBoard.com

Party: Republican

Occupation: Paralegal

Background: I Have been married for soon to be 17 years, I have 3 kids with 2 still in Forsyth County School. I have been a small business owner in the past but I am employed as a litigation Paralegal. Soon I will be finishing up a Criminal Justice Degree (Youth Offenders) and a Paralegal Technologies Degree.

What are you top 2 or 3 priorities if elected?  My top goal is a No Child Left Behind mindset, encompassing all my other goals. All students are equal and will receive the best education we can provide. To do this, we must correct the spending, Spending on core education comes first (not common core, true English, Math, Science, History, etc.)

How should the Board of Education address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?  I see no difference in Education (not learning) for different races or incomes, each child who walks thru a door of a school has the same teachers/classes to choose from. Students get the education from schools equal to the effort they put into learning. Also parents must stay engaged for success.

Website: StudentsBeforePolitics.com

If you use the Democratic Primary ballot, you can pick the party’s candidates for County Commission who will advance to the Nov. election. Republican candidates have no Primary opposition and will be on the Nov. ballot.

The 7-member Forsyth Co. Board of Commissioners hires the county manager, approves zoning & development, and sets the budget for schools, health services and many other programs. Four members are elected this year.

Party: Democratic
no response from candidate

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Attorney

Background: Winston-Salem City Council Member (2001-2020); Member, NC Environmental Management Commission (1993-2005), NC Coastal Resources Commission (1985-93); Legal aid attorney (1983-90); Adjunct/visiting faculty for multiple colleges/universities (NC State University, Winston-Salem State University, etc.)

What are you top 2 or 3 priorities?  – Improve visibility and accountability of Forsyth County government to all Forsyth residents, whether in the city, smaller towns, or rural areas. – Bridge the gaps in good public schools, health, safety, and opportunity for all Forsyth residents, including good teachers and safe facilities.

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Affordable housing: Lack of sufficient affordable housing, especially for working families of modest means, is a growing local crisis. Forsyth County must partner with local cities/towns and private investors to spur the development of more workforce-affordable housing here.

Website: Besse4Forsyth.org

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Retired

Background: 20 year community activist, former 2nd Vice-chair Forsyth Co. Democratic Party, currently N.C. State Democratic Party State Executive Committee Member, member of several local boards past and present

What are you top 2 or 3 priorities?  Constituency engagement: meeting with citizens of my district quarterly giving them a respected and expected proactive voice in their governance. Implementing Budgets that give constituency benefit, profit, and usefulness to the everyday person. Establishing policy that stimulates affordable housing.

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Affordable housing: using county surplus land to create community land trust, reallocate funding for first time homebuyers.

Website: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064200544073

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Forsyth County Commissioner

Background: Retired High School Teacher. Former Wall Street banker. Several leadership roles in Democratic Party including former County Chair. B.A. Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, Iowa. Attended several Graduate Schools. Commissioner since 2017.

What are you top 2 or 3 priorities if elected?  Academic excellence for all students; More economic development in District A; Both of these issues directly affects the quality of life in District A

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Affordable housing: Delegate more funds from ARPA (American Rescue Program Act) for more affordable housing. Housing needs are paramount in District A.

Website: FlemingElAmin.com

Party: Democratic
Occupation: Retired Diplomat/Inspector General/Air Force Veteran

Background: I was born in Forsyth County. I Taught Tax Law, I am an Air Force Veteran, a Retired Diplomat and Inspector General. I have lived and worked in 8 Countries. I Have a Strong Financial, Tax law and Legislative Background. I Have Experience in Establishing Effective Budgets and Policies That Work.
What are you top 2 or 3 priorities? (1) Adopt an Annual Budget that will Positively Support the Entire Education System and other Forsyth County Tax Payers. (2) Lower Forsyth County Property Tax Rates, for Businesses and Property Owners. (3) Establish County Policies that will: Protect Tax Payers, Zoning and Land Use Rights.
Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Affordable housing: The Poverty rate in Forsyth County is a Major Issue and the Lack of Affordable Housing has Played a Major Role. Another Factor is the Slow Increase in Economic Growth, Which is Negatively Affecting Lower Income Families. I Would Decrease the Tax Rate, Increase Salaries and Support Economic Growth.

Website: ThePeoplesCandidate.org

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Public Affairs and Relations Officer – Forsyth County Commissioner

Background: 9 years as a Public Affairs and Relations Officer, advocacy for United Health Centers, a Federally Qualified Health Centers. Promote United Health Centers policies that support them, their patients, and the mission and vision (UHC) among government officials, legislators, and community partners.

What are you top 2 or 3 priorities?  Public Health, Safety, and Business
Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Affordable housing: Continue advocating for affordable housing. We are processing providing additional funding for the IDA program and working alongside the Experience and Self-Reliance organization.

Website: Vote4TonyaMcDaniel.com

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Public School & Collegiate Educator

Background: My family has been citizens of Forsyth County for over 110 years. I’m a professional educator of over 20 years. I am currently serving on the WS/FC Board of Education and the first Black person to Chair the Board. I am a member of many civic and auxiliary organizations, volunteer, and mentor.

What are you top 2 or 3 priorities?  1. Increase educator pay in order to improve our school district; 2. Provide Pre-K to all eligible children to support working class families; 3. Restore juvenile justice to maintain safe communities

Give an example of how you would address a particular issue. Affordable housing: Through urban renewal & economic development advocacy, I will propose a new initiative, Forsyth For All, to engage citizens relating to equitable and impactful strategies around real estate and economic development, affordable housing, and livable communities.

Website: facebook.com/Shai-Woodbury-Leadership-You-Can-Trust-110428924884746/