WS Chronicle

Mays wins run-off election

Fresh off her victory in a run-off election to retain her position as State NEA (National Education Association) director, Ronda Mays invited those with a vested interest in the local school system to come together and openly discuss an issue that has plagued the U.S. educational system since its beginning: institutional racism.

During the town hall style gathering at Hanes Hosiery Community Center on Tuesday, April 17, educators administrators, parents, clergy and other members of the community shared their thoughts on a number of issues within the WS/FCS System that are directly related to race.

Mays, who also serves as president of the FCAE (Forsyth County Association of Educators), said the purpose of the gathering was to explore the true definition of institutional racism, how it affects our schools and strategies to intervene.

“We have to own it and figure out what we can do as individuals as well as in our own particular groups to help and work on these issues of institutional racism,” Mays continued. “… Everyone has a bias but you have to know what it is and know when it’s playing a predominant in the decisions that you’re making.”

In the run-off election for NEA director, Mays defeated challenger Amy Harrison, who serves as vice president of the Guilford County Association of Educators. As the NEA director, Mays’ responsibilities include meeting regularly with the NCAE Leadership Team and with local association presidents on a regular basis. 

Shortly after receiving the call that she had won the election on Monday, April 16, Mays thanked everyone for their support. On a social media post she wrote: “You elected me again to serve as your NCAE NEA Director. Thank you for your vote of confidence and encouragement. I am Extremely Honored!!”