The superintendent of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools has resigned. Dr. Angela Hairston tendered her resignation to the board of education.
In a press release from the district, Hairston says, “I have the chance to accept an opportunity dear to my heart within another school district that I cannot pass up. While I am not yet at liberty to discuss all the details, I want the talented staff, and amazing students and families of this district to hear this news from me, first. I want them to know that working in this community has been a truly rewarding experience and I've been grateful for the opportunity.”
The board held an emergency meeting on Thursday evening to discuss Hairston's resignation.
WS/FCS Board of Education Chair, Malishai Woodbury, says, “Dr. Hairston has done some incredible work in her short time here and while we are still processing this announcement, we support Dr. Hairston in making a decision that she feels is best for her personal growth and career.”
Woodbury added, “Our board has been through some difficult times in recent months, but I can assure you we will do what we think is best for students, best for staff, and best for our community. We will begin working immediately to find someone who will take the reigns of this difficult work and carry on. We can't stop, the learning must continue.”
The district says it plans to move forward with the approved phased reopening plan.
A press conference will take place tomorrow afternoon to discuss more details about Hairston's resignation, the transfer of leadership, and the search for a new superintendent.
Hairston is the seventh superintendent of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and the first African American to serve in the role. She started with the school system in September 2019.
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