After nearly 12 years on the board, Forsyth County Commissioner Don Martin announced he will retire at the end of July. He was first elected following 19 years as superintendent of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.

The UNC System's equality policy states that no employment position can speak on behalf of the university on social policies or “political controversies of the day.”

The legislation impacts nine North Carolina counties. It is part of the Republican Party's effort to curb the impact of property taxes.

The council will be made up of around 16 to 24 members from all regions of the state. Applications are open through September 15.