TSCS Relocation
The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education voted on Tuesday night to relocate The Special Children’s School starting in the 2027-28 school year. The school will move into space at Ward Elementary School.
WS/FCS currently leases the buildings for TSCS and The Children’s Center from the Center for Exceptional Children. Facing a deadline to end or renegotiate the lease before it ends in June 2027, the district gathered feedback from staff, families, and community partners.
These are currently the only two locations in WS/FCS with Developmental Day programs, as well as the only current schools for which WS/FCS leases space. Due to new state rules changes, Developmental Day programs will only be reimbursed for Pre-K students, not school-aged students.
An earlier proposal suggested moving TSCS to Middle Fork Pre-K Center. Ward was ultimately chosen due to its larger classroom space capacity based on building design, closer proximity to the current campus, and because the move will avoid displacing any grade span or allotted student-facing staff based on TSCS enrollment.
A majority of the board felt confident that TSCS students would continue to receive a quality education at Ward, and that the district’s cost savings justified the transition. Board members also pointed to Ward’s media center, gym, large cafeteria, and other amenities that TSCS doesn’t offer students as benefits of the move.
The board also voted to amend its lease with CFEC for TSCS based on the CFEC request. This reduces the school's usable space by 4,000 square feet during the coming year and reduces the lease payment by $43,000.
The board did not take action on any changes for TCC, which will remain at its current location on Coliseum Drive serving students in grades PK-5. WS/FCS staff will work with CFEC on a new lease agreement for TCC to begin in July 2027.
Mental Health Update
The board heard numerous positive updates about student wellbeing during an update on the district’s mental health services.
In accordance with state law, the district adopted its initial school mental health plan during the 2020-21 school year. Since then, the board has received annual updates on mental health programming to guarantee students receive the highest possible standard of care.
In the 2026-27 school year, WS/FCS will benefit from the services of at least 12 school-based mental health providers. The School Health Alliance is expanding their services to additional schools as well. Mental Health Grant funding is paying for three school social workers, a school counselor position, SEL programming for elementary schoolers, and Skye, the district’s therapy dog.
Students are engaging with mental health professionals in school more than ever. They’re attending lunch and learn sessions with counselors. Some are even participating in The Student’s Perspective, a mental health podcast with WS/FCS Mental Health Clinician Keisha Horton.
Last school year, Student Services conducted 414 suicide safety assessments and 100 behavior threat assessments. SHA saw 2,556 behavioral health encounters, and other community partners fielded 945 referrals between them. While need remains high among students, the district has made great strides towards meeting that need.
“I just wanted to say how thankful I am that we have this in our district,” said Board Member Sabrina Coone. “I have seen it firsthand with many of our students, and it makes a difference.”
Financial Policies
During the Policy Committee meeting, the board members voted to advance a new set of five financial policies.
The proposed policies are based on models provided by the North Carolina School Boards Association. They are meant to satisfy corrective actions outlined in the state auditor’s report on the district’s finances. These policies cover:
- The process for planning and adopting a budget
- A mission statement for public education
- Rules for approving budget amendments, resolutions, and transfers
- Job responsibilities and expectations for the chief financial officer
- Best practices for sound districtwide financial management
These policies will be up for public comment and further discussion at a future meeting of the full board. The full policies can be reviewed here.
SRO Contracts
During the Buildings & Grounds Committee meeting, the board members advanced new annual contracts for school resource officers and after-hours security.
The district currently works with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and the Kernersville Police Department to put SROs in all middle and high schools. It also works with North State Security Group, LLC, for nighttime patrols and security solutions. Each agency is in negotiations for a one-year contract extension for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
The new FCSO contract is projected to cost $4,402,255, an increase from last year of $314,119 or 7.68%. The contract with KPD is projected to cost $653,326, an increase from last year of $50,905 or 8.45%. The contract with North State will stay flat at $125,490, but with a $1.80 per hour raise for officers who work extra time at special events. The increases are connected to raises for officers instated by their agencies. All these contracts will be funded with local dollars.
These contracts will also be available for further discussion and public comment at a future meeting of the full board.
The Board of Education will have its next full meeting on Tuesday, June 23.