FORSYTH COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) – Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is nearing the end of its first phase of community feedback on what could shape the future of the district’s attendance zones.
It’s part of the district’s efforts to develop a Fostering Diverse Schools comprehensive plan.
The school district said this feedback from community members was necessary in helping them figure out an attendance zone map to propose.
So far, they’ve heard from more than 7,500 people, inching closer to their goal to hear from 8,000.
“I work in the community with Winston-Salem Free Schools and I’m an advocate of equity in education. And, and you know that hopefully our community, the goal is that we have one in which all children not merely survive, but thrive,” said Linda Winikoff, listening session attendee.
It’s been at least 30 years since Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools has made any major rezoning changes.
“As we think about our future initiatives, as we think about just long-term impact and how we’re preparing students for the future at that after they graduate from high school,” said Dr. Effie McMillian, WS/FCS chief equity officer.
After December 5th, the district will begin its next phase in developing its fostering diverse schools comprehensive plan.
Some feedback they’ve received from families is that some are worried that changing residential boundaries will split their kids up from their friends or make them lose access to high-quality teachers and schools.
“I think some of the fear may be unwarranted. There are so many benefits to disrupting concentrated poverty and creating and promoting welcoming and inclusive spaces for a diverse demographic of students,” said McMillian.
Feedback from phase one will be analyzed and used to help draw up the new maps.
In February, the district will want to hear from parents again on the proposed maps with new attendance zones.
They’ll have a dashboard for parents to take a look at their current zone and search where they will fall on the new map if their zone changes.
“Of course, we’re going to hear from people that are you know, some people will be excited. Some people like worried about that. But what I do want to stress, too, is that we’re not going to force any kids to leave their current school,” said Frank Pantano, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Choice and Magnet Schools executive director.
In the summer, June or July, the district plans to present a final map to the board of education.
They will then work to determine when and how it can be implemented.
“Based on the way board policy is written right now, they can stay all the way through the grade span. If they’re in second grade, they can stay all the way to fifth grade,” said Pantano.
There’s a dashboard on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools website where you can see some of that community feedback and areas in the district they are hearing from.
The district’s last listening session for the first phase of community engagement will be on December 5 at the Carl Russell Recreation Center from 6 p.m. to 7:30 pm.
