Ashley Academy Redesign
The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education approved changes to the plans for a new Ashley Academy during its meeting on Tuesday night.
The board members originally approved a 133,000-square-foot plan for a new Ashley. However, after receiving third party estimates, they chose to consider reducing the square footage to bring costs more in line with projected funds provided by the county. The plan presented on Tuesday reduced the area to 113,200 square feet.
The new plan reduces the size of service areas, like closets and pantries, while leaving the number and size of instructional spaces the same. It also allows for a few larger administrative spaces and a 10,000-square-foot mezzanine for servicing mechanical equipment. These changes maintain the new school’s capacity of 600 students and should bring the final project budget closer to the original projected price.
“We’re not impacting instructional space within the building,” said Executive Director of Construction and Planning Darrell Walker. “This is to better align ourselves with what we have financially.”
Further details on the updated plan are available here.
Generative AI Policy
During the Policy Committee meeting, the board voted to advance an update to Policy 6161 on Acceptable Use to public comment. The new text addresses the use of generative AI in schools and reads as follows:
“The Board recognizes that generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools support teaching, learning, and operational efficiency when used appropriately. All use of AI must align with district expectations for ethical, responsible, and academically honest use of technology as outlined in this Acceptable Use of Technology Policy, including compliance with data privacy, security, and intellectual property laws and policies. Users are responsible for the accuracy, appropriateness, and integrity of any content created or supported by AI tools. The use of AI to misrepresent work, violate privacy, or create deceptive or harmful content is prohibited. Additional guidance, expectations, and approved practices for AI use are outlined in the district’s Generative AI Guidelines.”
To submit a comment about the policy, email Dionne Jenkins by March 25.
If adopted, this policy update will codify WS/FCS’ expectations for the use of AI in the classroom. The district introduced its first set of Generative AI Guidelines last year and continues to refine it as new information becomes available.
“That document will see ongoing updates as more guidance comes from DPI (NC Department of Public Instruction) in regards to AI use in schools and support for teachers,” said Chief Equity Officer Effie McMillian.
The most recent version of the district’s Generative AI Guidelines can be viewed here.
Attendance Boundary Review Policy
The Policy Committee also voted to advance a new policy on attendance boundary reviews to public comment.
WS/FCS is currently creating new residential boundaries to be used as early as the 2027-28 school year. It’s been nearly 30 years since the last time boundaries were updated to reflect changes in demographics, traffic patterns, housing developments, school capacities, and more.
If approved, the new policy will require boundary reviews no less often than once every five years going forward, a cadence that is consistent with other similarly sized districts throughout North Carolina.
The text of the proposed policy can be read here. To submit a comment about the policy, email Dionne Jenkins by March 25.
For the latest news on the current boundary update process, read here.
The Board of Education will meet again on Tuesday, March 31.