Winston-Salem, NC, August 27, 2025
News Summary
Students at Parkland High School staged a walkout to protest significant job cuts impacting the Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools due to a $46 million budget deficit. Holding chants and rallying in support of their teachers, the protest lasted for 30 minutes. The district plans to eliminate around 344 positions through layoffs and demotions, leading to community unrest and ongoing discussions about the financial challenges facing local education.
Winston-Salem, NC – Hundreds of students at Parkland High School staged a walkout on Tuesday morning at 10:25 a.m. to voice their support for teachers facing job cuts amidst a significant budget shortfall impacting the Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools (WS/FCS). The protest, which lasted for 30 minutes, saw students chanting phrases such as “save our staff, save our future,” “where the money at?” and “remember EC, no teachers, no peace” as they marched around the school’s parking lot before gathering at the edge of Brewer Road.
The demonstration at Parkland High School is part of a broader wave of student protests throughout the district, opposing the recent decision to eliminate approximately 344 positions. This measure is being taken in response to a projected $46 million budget deficit that the district is currently grappling with. A similar protest occurred later that day at Atkins High School, showcasing the growing unrest among students regarding the staffing cuts.
In light of the impending job cuts, WS/FCS plans to inform affected employees about their job statuses within the week. The staffing reductions will be accomplished through various means, including layoffs, demotions, and furloughs, negatively impacting more than 350 positions within the district.
Human resources representatives at the WS/FCS central office are offering assistance to employees affected by the cuts, which includes support for health insurance and 401(k) plans. Additionally, the district is planning a job fair specifically for teachers who are impacted by the job cuts and intends to cover the costs of COBRA health insurance for a year for those affected.
Jamille Rhodes, the Assistant Principal at Konnoak Middle School, faced demotion under the current staffing plan and characterized the situation as one of the most challenging periods in his professional career. As the district seeks to navigate this financial crisis, leaders are also working to address community concerns regarding the cuts, with a Board of Education meeting scheduled for Tuesday evening to offer a platform for public input.
Details of the Protest
- Time and date of the protest: 10:25 a.m., Tuesday morning
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Location: Parkland High School, Winston-Salem
- Chants included: “save our staff, save our future,” “where the money at?” and “remember EC, no teachers, no peace.”
Budget Cuts Overview
- Total job eliminations: Approximately 344 positions
- Projected budget deficit: $46 million
- Methods of staffing cuts: Layoffs, demotions, and furloughs
Support for Affected Employees
- Health insurance and 401(k) support provided by human resources
- COBRA health insurance costs to be covered for affected employees for one year
- Job fair planned for impacted teachers
Next Steps
- WS/FCS to inform affected employees this week
- Board of Education meeting scheduled for community input
The protests and the ongoing budget cuts underscore the financial challenges faced by the Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools and will likely continue to foster dialogue among students, educators, and the community as they seek solutions to these pressing issues.
FAQs
What caused the job cuts in Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools?
The job cuts were prompted by a projected budget deficit of $46 million, leading to the elimination of around 344 positions through layoffs, demotions, and furloughs.
What support is being provided to the affected employees?
Affected employees will receive support including health insurance and 401(k) plans, with the district covering the costs of COBRA health insurance for one year and holding a job fair specifically for impacted teachers.
What actions have students taken in response to the staffing cuts?
Students at Parkland and Atkins High Schools have staged walkouts to protest the job cuts, demanding that the district preserve educational staffing levels for their futures.
Key Features of the Events
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location of Protests | Parkland High School, Atkins High School |
| Date and Time | Tuesday morning, 10:25 a.m., and 2:50 p.m. later |
| Number of Job Cuts | Approximately 344 |
| Budget Deficit | $46 million |
| Support Measures | COBRA health insurance, job fair, 401(k) assistance |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Exploring the Impact of School Closures on Phoenix Communities
Phoenix City Council Approves Controversial $4.8 Billion Budget
Additional Resources
- WXII 12 News
- Wikipedia: Winston-Salem
- WFMY News 2
- Google Search: Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools
- The New York Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- CNN
- Google News: Staffing Cuts Winston-Salem
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
