The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school system has a new leader.
The school board voted unanimously to hire Angela Pringle as the next superintendent during a special called meeting on Wednesday. She was among more than 40 candidates vying for the job.
Board members say Pringle stood out from the list because she met many of the qualifications that the community wanted. Those include teaching experience and success with raising student achievement in low performing schools.
“This has been a unifying process for the board,” says Malishai Woodbury, chair of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education. “She just has a way with handling business in just a calm spirit.”
Woodbury adds, "We have challenges trying to educate every student, but I know that with Dr. Pringle at the charge, not only will it get accomplished, but it will get accomplished in a way that we all can help her and be at ease in making this happen for all of our students.”
Pringle previously served as superintendent of Richmond County Schools in Augusta, Georgia. She says she's excited and is ready to get to work.
“The board has charged me with looking at issues around equity, looking at inclusivity, and certainly at our literacy, our process of programs, and so we want to start there,” says Pringle. “Certainly we have to get out and talk with teachers, I have to be accessible to principals, parents, and community members to start that charge.”
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School officials say a community meet and greet with her will be scheduled at a later date.
Pringle says the new job is sort of a homecoming for family. She received her bachelor's degree from Averett University in Danville, Virginia. Her daughter also graduated with her master's degree from Wake Forest University.
She will officially take office on September 3.
Pringle will fill the position left vacant by Beverly Emory. Emory resigned earlier this year to join the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Kenneth Simington was tapped to serve as interim superintendent during the search for a permanent replacement. He recently announced his retirement at the end of August after working for more than 30 years in education.
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