WS/FCS budget crisis

The district has been shaken by recent school violence and a months-long financial crisis. Phipps says his focus is on rebuilding confidence and helping the community heal.

Phipps has worked in education for more than two decades, most recently serving as the superintendent of Caldwell County Schools.

Interim Superintendent Catty Moore shared the debt reduction news with the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners at a meeting this week.

The district's efforts, along with the support of county commissioners and private donors, have reduced the debt to about $13 million as of this week. WFDD’s Education Reporter Amy Diaz spoke with News Director Eddie Garcia about where the district goes from here.

Several Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools teachers and staff members raised concerns about the ongoing impact of position reductions, especially in the Exceptional Children department.

After making final payments to the state and entering into a debt-erasing contract with a custodial services company last week, the district's remaining amount owed to vendors is $7.7 million.

Between local donations, an agreement with county commissioners and a new custodial services contract, the district has knocked more than $11 million off its debt.

The donation comes shortly after Forsyth County commissioners approved a conditional debt forgiveness plan for the district tied to how much money the school system can raise in private donations.

State Superintendent Mo Green spoke at Knollwood Baptist Church Tuesday night about the headwinds facing the state and school system, and the path forward.

Don Phipps, the current superintendent of Caldwell County Schools, will assume the role Dec. 1 and serve for 15 months.