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Board of Education candidate profiles
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION?
The Winston-Salem/Forsyth Co. Board of Education hires the School Superintendent and oversees finances, pupil placement, school policies and curriculum choices. Voters elect 3 Board members At Large (countywide) and 6 by District.
CANDIDATES FOR FORSYTH COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION - AT LARGE
SARAH ABSHER Republican
learn more about Sarah Absher by visiting sarahabsherforboe.com
Background:
As a mom, wife, and registered nurse, I have the knowledge and ability to push back against unscientific decisions such as shutdowns and forced masking. I will advocate for our students, teachers, and parents just as I have done for my patients.
Priorities:
Commission an audit of the budget to identify waste and redirect those funds to redirect and retain excellent teachers.
Combat learning loss that resulted from the board’s failed COVID policies by focusing on core academic subjects and increasing availability of tutoring outside school hours.
How should the BOE address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?
All students must be held to the same behavioral and academic standards. The BOE’s failed COVID policies disproportionately hurt socioeconomically disadvantaged students. By focusing on core academics - not the latest “social justice” fads - we can narrow this achievement gap.
SABRINA COONE-GODFREY Democrat
learn more about Sabrina Coone-Godfrey by visiting sabrina4boe.com
Background:
I have two children in the WS/FCS. I’ve volunteered in their schools for the past 9 years. I am a PTA president, vice president, SIT member, Reading warrior & District Level Vol. I serve on other committees and am an advocate for students, teacher, and schools.
Priorities:
Funding – obtain funding that allows our schools and educators to have the resources to grow our students.
Communication – foster and build relationships with the community implement district level parent/staff/student involvement teams that interact with the BOE and superintendent
How should the BOE address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?
We need to make sure that we are offering and communicating the services to all of our families, ensuring that they are accessible to those who may need them in a different format and help them through the process. ALLEN DANIEL Republican
learn more about Allen Daniel by visiting his Facebook page.
Background:
A longtime advocate, parent, volunteer, and educator in the district
Priorities:
1.Give classroom educators the support and autonomy they need to provide every student in the district the opportunity for an excellent education.
ALLEN DANIEL PROFILE CONTINUED
(Priorities Continued):
1.Make sure every student not only has that opportunity, but understands the necessity and the value of an excellent education. 2.Restore excellence
How should the BOE address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?
The BOE should make certain there are enough highly qualified classroom educators, enough support staff, and qualified supportive admin at every school in the district to provide every child the opportunity for an excellent education. There should be no difference regardless of race or economics.
REGINA GARNER Libertarian
learn more about Regina Garner by visiting regina-garner4schoolboard.com
Background:
I’m a deeply concerned parent who wants a better education and future for our youth
Priorities:
My first priority is to be an advocate for the parents. I will be an unwavering voice for them and their children. My second priority is to dissolve any programs confusing our children regarding gender identity/sexuality, CRT, and SEL
How should the BOE address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?
The BOE should NOT address differences in learning based on race or income. If ANY child has trouble learning they should be given extra attention and afforded the opportunity to seek aid for basic cognitive abilities and comprehension. Ethnicity and income are irrelevant.
MICHAEL HARDMAN Republican
learn more about Michael Hardman by visiting hardman4schools.com
Background:
The current chair of WSFCS BOE. PTA president, SIT committee, finance comm. chair, climate culture and equity comm. chair, substitute teacher, tutor for Reading Warriors. Completed numerous education and leadership training workshops.
Background:
I was raised in WSFCS schools and have three children now enrolled. I have served in numerous leadership roles within my church, at the local, district, and conference level. I’ve coached youth athletics and have a lifelong of serving others.
Priorities:
my BACK TO BASICS platform will bring success to WSFCS schools. Teach curriculum without bias. Reduce screen time. Teach children to use reason to make their own decisions. Learn to value oneself, each other, and our country. Restore high expectations. Balance the budget. Engage families.
How should the BOE address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?
my BACK TO BASICS platform will benefit all students and families. I want to make curriculum and lesson materials easily available to families, and encourage families to participate and support from home. I want students to understand love and the value of service to others.
DEANNA KAPLAN Democrat
learn more about Deanna Kaplan by visiting her Facebook Page
DEANNA KAPLAN PROFILE CONTINUED
Priorities:
Teacher recruitment and retention.
Adequate pay to attract the best teachers.
Competitive pay for our support staff, custodians, cafeteria workers.
Catch our kids up from the learning they lost during the pandemic.
Third grade literacy.
Closing the achievement gap.
How should the BOE address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?
Having a high quality and high performing diverse teaching staff. Making sure students have access to quality instructional materials and resources. Focus on an inclusive environment and culture where every student feels capable, connected, and cared for.
RICHARD WATTS Democrat
learn more about Richard Watts by visiting rwattsfor2022.wixsite.com
Background:
Formerly a teacher at Wiley Middle School, an assistant principal at Southwest Elementary in Clemmons, and the principal of Kimberley Park Elementary, Julian Gibson Elementary, and W-S Preparatory Academy. Principal of the year twice by my peers.
Priorities:
We must fund research-based curriculum that will improve our reading and math scores at the elementary level. We must find ways to give respect to our education community. In building respect, we must let our teachers teach.
How should the BOE address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?
We must do everything we can to eliminate the achievement gaps in our schools. What is working across the country? Are we able to replicate success with resources, funding, and commitment? People with passion, heart, knowledge, and resources can find ways to end the gaps.
The candidates for this position are running unopposed.
ALEX B. BOHANNON Democrat
learn more about Alex Bohannon by visiting alexbohannon.com
TREVONIA (BG) BROWN-GAITHER Democrat
learn more about Trevonia Brown-Gaither by visiting robertbarrforschoolboard
Background:
Masters in education, Wake Forest; BA, Winston-Salem State University; taught for 14 years (grades 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th) and worked as a curriculum coordinator; served on WSFC School Board from 2014-2018; currently serve as Trustee at WSSU.
ROBERT BARR Republican
learn more about Robert Barr by visiting robertbarrforschoolboard.com
ROBERT BARR PROFILE CONTINUED
Priorities:
Assess and create strategic plans for student growth and achievement.
Create parental engagement programs to support parents and students.
Provide teachers with resources, and additional personal support in the classroom.
How should the BOE address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?
A comprehensive analysis of data must be done. The analysis would have to include, but not limited to, students' academic progress, types of instructors and administrators who impact the students, programs, buildings, etc. Based on the assessment, certain areas should be prioritized with budget.
JENNIFER CASTILLO Democrat
learn more about Jennifer Castillo by visiting electjennifercastillo.com
Background:
I am a mother with two children currently in the school system, one of whom receives speech therapy at her school. I work as a social worker, providing case management. I also serve as the 1st Vice Chair for the Forsyth County Democratic Women.
Priorities:
Safe schools: fund the purchase of protective/bulletproof equipment in out classrooms. teacher assistance: create a financial assistance program for our school staff in financial need.
Representation for the Hispanic students in our district: increase in college/career planning guidance.
JENNIFER CASTILLO PROFILE CONTINUED
How should the BOE address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?
Allocate more funding: offer more opportunities for teachers to work part-time tutoring jobs with students in need, support wrap-around services and case management in the schools, increase pay for parent-engagement specialists, support culturally competent trainings at all schools.
LEAH H. CROWLEY Republican
learn more about Leah Crowley by visiting electleahcrowley.com
Background:
I've lived in Winston-Salem since 2001; our four children attend public schools. I have volunteered in over 40 schools in Forsyth County as a tutor, mentor, coach, substitute teacher, and facilitator helping third graders be aware of child abuse.
Priorities:
The top priority is reading and math proficiency. Getting all teachers trained on the science of reading has helped. Creating safe environments for learning and working is also a priority. Recruiting/retaining educators is very important, especially with the stress of the past two difficult years.
How should the BOE address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?
Each child, regardless of race or socioeconomic status, needs to be assessed and addressed. Individualized instruction helps each child reach their potential. Support systems need to be in place at each school to help all students become proficient and master the course standards.
STANLEY M. ELROD Republican
learn more about Stanley Elrod by visiting his Facebook Page
Background:
Grew up in Tobaccoville, attended Old Richmond and North Forsyth. Served in the NC House from 1985-2005. Chair of House Education Committee. Sponsored charter school legislation.
Background:
I've been a teacher, coach, athletic director, asst. principal, and principal in Forsyth County. Everyone in my family has worked in the WSFC school system.
Priorities:
My commitment to the students, teachers, and parent of Forsyth County is:
Provide a safe and respectful learning environment for students, teachers, and parents. P artner with parents, listen to their concerns, and find real solutions.
Restore accountability throughout the system.
How should the BOE address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?
All schools should create an environment that is welcoming to all students of different races and family incomes. Staff development should be designed to help our staff achieve this goal.
STEVE WOOD Republican
STEVE WOOD PROFILE CONTINUED
Priorities:
Accountability, board elections, school choice. I think the board should consider requesting single member districts to elect board members, enhanced parental choice. School safety and establish a textbook selection policy
How should the BOE address disparities in learning for students of different races and family incomes?
Public school policy should address equality of opportunity for all students. Suggesting students cannot learn because of social or cultural background or economic conditions is inherently classist and racist.
