By Jake Browning
The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education considered new cost-cutting measures, including another Reduction in Force, and the consolidation of several schools during its meetings on Tuesday night.
The district needs to eliminate $19.3–$25.3 million more from the 2025-26 budget based on a recent review of costs, available revenue, and staffing levels.
HIL Consultants proposed several options, including reductions in Central Office administration, school-based non-instructional staff, exceptional children’s program ratios and staff, and school administration, as well as ending district-funded dental insurance. Interim Superintendent Catty Q. Moore proposed a Reduction in Force that could eliminate about 300–350 positions.
Moore stressed that these cuts, while difficult, cannot be avoided if the district wants to balance its budget. The district spends 85% of its budget on salaries and benefits.
“I acknowledge that this recommendation will impact lives, and it will change lives. It will cause uncertainty, anxiety, anger — a myriad of reactions, all valid,” Moore said. “And yet it is, when we look at the need, a fiscal need for the district. We cannot balance the budget without further reductions.”
No action was taken on a potential RIF, but board members will reconvene for a special called meeting on Tuesday, August 19, to consider implementation.
Looking further down the road for opportunities to make efficient use of district resources, the Board of Education’s Buildings and Grounds Committee also heard proposals Tuesday to consolidate Cook Literacy Model School with other neighboring elementary schools, Kennedy High School with the Career Center, and Paisley Magnet School’s IB program with Parkland High School. They also heard a recommendation to surplus the current Brunson Elementary School property and another property on Old Rural Hall Road.
These school consolidations were proposed based on enrollment data, the availability of similar programming at other nearby schools, and the impending need to replace or renovate their buildings. If the board chooses to pursue consolidation, it would hold a public hearing in September and vote on the matter in October. Consolidation would take effect at the start of the 2026-27 school year at the earliest.
Also on the board’s agenda for the evening were:
Recognitions for NCHSAA state champions for Spring 2025 and educators who earned ISTE certifications
Updates on the process of hiring a superintendent search firm
The district’s partnership with the Winston-Salem Symphony
Approval of EC contracts and a request to the county commissioners to amend the local fund allocation.
The Board of Education will meet again for a special called session on Tuesday, August 19.