Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education Primary Election: A Guide to the 2026 Races

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools (WS/FCS) is at a pivotal moment, with more than 30 candidates vying for nine seats on the Board of Education in the 2026 primary election. This election follows a year marked by significant financial challenges and a search for a novel direction for the district. Here’s a breakdown of the key races, what’s at stake, and how the new board will be structured.

Understanding the Board Structure

The WS/FCS Board of Education consists of nine seats divided across three categories:

• District 1: 2 seats
• District 2: 4 seats
• At-large: 3 seats

Currently, the board is comprised of five Democrats and four Republicans. The 2026 candidate pool includes 24 Democrats and 13 Republicans, signaling a potentially significant shift in the board’s composition.

Key Races and What to Expect

The primary election will determine which candidates advance to the general election. Specifically:

• Republican candidates for the at-large and District 1 seats are guaranteed to advance.
• Democratic races and the District 2 Republican race will be narrowed down during the primary.

Addressing the Financial Crisis

The election is heavily influenced by the district’s recent $46 million budget deficit, which began as an $8 million shortfall in April 2025. This crisis led to leadership changes, including the resignation of former Superintendent Tricia McManus, who acknowledged the misuse of $13 million from the district’s fund balance for unauthorized bonuses and raises, and Chief Financial Officer Thomas Kranz. The district has since reduced the deficit to approximately $6.4 million .

Voters are prioritizing accountability and financial oversight as key concerns when selecting candidates. Issues like student discipline, safety, and the need for improved financial controls are at the forefront of the election .

Staggered Board Terms

A new law will result in staggered terms for the upcoming board. Five members will serve four-year terms, with reelection in 2030, while four members will serve two-year terms, up for reelection in 2028. The candidates receiving the highest votes in their respective districts will be awarded the four-year terms.

Election Results and Further Information

Stay up-to-date with the latest election results for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education primary election . WXII 12 News is committed to providing comprehensive coverage of the 2026 elections in North Carolina .

You can find results for other key races, including those for US Senate, US House, NC Senate, NC House, Court of Appeals, and District Court Judges, by visiting WXII 12 News’ election results page .