The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools (WS/FCS) Board of Education has appointed Dr. Don Phipps to be the district’s next superintendent, effective December 1.
Phipps is a veteran North Carolina school leader with more than two decades of experience guiding districts through both academic and financial challenges. Since 2018, he has served as superintendent of Caldwell County Schools, where he successfully strengthened the district’s fiscal footing and advanced student achievement. Prior to that, he led Beaufort County Schools for more than eight years. He started his career and rose through the ranks at Cumberland County Schools, a district similar in size and demographics to WS/FCS.
Known for his steady hand and collaborative approach, he has built a reputation for navigating complex budget environments with discipline and transparency. He was also named the 2023 North Carolina Superintendent of the Year, underscoring the high regard in which he is held statewide.
“Dr. Phipps has exceptional credentials and is highly respected across North Carolina,” said WS/FCS School Board Chair Deanna Kaplan. “We are thrilled that he will bring his wealth of experience, credibility, and talent to WS/FCS. His clear, steady leadership will be vital as we continue our work to restore fiscal health and strengthen public trust. We are fortunate to welcome him, and we are grateful to the State Board of Education for their support in identifying such an outstanding candidate.”
Phipps said he is thankful to the School Board for this opportunity and the support offered by the State Board of Education.
“I look forward to working with everyone involved to get our school system to a stable financial situation. I also look forward to supporting the WS/FCS staff members as they diligently carry out their professional roles under very difficult circumstances,” Phipps said. “Through our combined efforts, I want to help ensure that the system is meeting the needs of all stakeholders: our students, staff, parents, guardians, and the community we serve.”
The WS/FCS Board of Education worked in collaboration with the State Board of Education to identify strong candidates to lead the district following Interim Superintendent Catty Q. Moore’s contract, which ends November 30. The State Board recommended Phipps. He has been appointed on a 15-month contract, providing the district consistent leadership and ample time needed to conduct a comprehensive search for its long-term superintendent.
In addition to his district leadership, Phipps has remained deeply engaged in higher education and statewide service. He is an adjunct professor at the Reich College of Education at Appalachian State University, a part-time instructor at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, and has previously served as a university professor and department chair. His career has also spanned roles as a school psychologist, assistant principal, principal, executive director of student services, and non-profit director of research and development. He has been a trusted voice in statewide education policy, previously serving as superintendent advisor to the State Board of Education and currently as president of the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association.
Phipps holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and management psychology from Methodist College (now Methodist University), a master’s degree and Certificate of Advanced Study in School Psychology from Appalachian State University, a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Appalachian State University, and a Master of Education in Instructional Systems Technology from UNC-Charlotte.