Timisha Barnes-Jones

The Board of Education meeting included an update from the superintendent covering district news such as 2022 graduations, summer meal programs, and the summer leadership institute. Discussions were held regarding a two-year contract for Freedom Schools, and service agreements with Invo Healthcare Associates and Measurement Inc. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the new student code of character, conduct, and support, which aims to reduce punitive discipline and address disparities in disciplinary actions. The board also formally approved this new student code.

The meeting included special district-wide recognitions and a public comment session. The board received a superintendent’s update regarding the summer leadership institute and held discussions on the superintendent’s contract, security contracts, a project impact update, and COVID-19 mask recommendations. Subsequent actions taken by the board included the approval of the superintendent's contract, the hiring of sheriff's office SROs, the authorization of ESSER bids for before and after school care, and the approval of policies regarding special funds for individual schools.

The committee discussed the proposed naming of the gymnasium floor at West Forsyth High School, noting plans for a public hearing and subsequent event to honor the individual. Additionally, the committee reviewed revisions to student discipline policy 5131, aimed at aligning language with the district's mission, vision, and strategic plan. Key discussions included defining the role of school personnel in maintaining a safe environment, clarifying the use of reasonable force in managing student behavior, and updating prohibited behaviors to include sexual harassment and offenses.

This document outlines the strategic goals for Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools for the 2022-2023 school year. It identifies two primary focus areas: shifting the school culture through a new code of character, conduct, and support to foster an inclusive and safe environment with clear expectations and restorative interventions; and enhancing literacy through the '90 by 25' campaign for third graders and promoting reading across all content areas for grades 4-12. The plan reinforces the district's mission to provide high-quality learning experiences for global competence and its vision to be a premier learning and working environment.

The committee discussed the acceptance of a grant from the John Wesley and Anna Hodgin Hanes Foundation to support renovations and capital projects at Reynolds Auditorium. The discussion highlighted the unique nature of the auditorium as a professional-grade facility with high levels of community usage. Additionally, the committee reviewed the custodial contract renewal and the requested wage increases for contracted custodial staff to align with local market rates and competitive hiring practices.