WS Chronicle

By The Winston-Salem Chronicle

Winston-Salem, N.C. — After years of community pressure, board deliberations and bond votes, the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools district and Forsyth County Board of Commissioners have taken a key step toward replacing one of the city’s most challenged school buildings.

On Nov. 7, county commissioners approved $500,000 in bond funding for the Ashley Elementary School project. That amount includes $50,000 to acquire a 0.26-acre lot next to the future school site and $450,000 earmarked for architectural and construction services, according to meeting records.

District officials said the land purchase will eliminate the need for a retaining wall that would have cost nearly 10 times as much. (Source: Blue Ridge Public Radio/WFDD)

A Building Long in Need of Replacement

Ashley Elementary, originally built in the 1960s as a middle school and later converted into an elementary school in the mid-1990s, has served East Winston’s predominantly Black community for decades. It has long been plagued by facility issues, overcrowding and deferred maintenance.

• In 2016, community advocates and the district recognized the need for a new building. That year’s education bond included planning funds for Ashley — but not construction money. (WFDD, 2024)

• In 2018, reports of mold, poor air quality and inequitable treatment led advocacy groups, including the Action4Ashley Coalition (now Action4Equity), to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights alleging discrimination under Title VI. (WUNC, 2018)

• In October 2024, the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education approved allocating $46 million for a new school, with an expected opening in the 2026–27 academic year. (WFDD, 2024)

What the Nov. 7 Approval Means

With the county’s latest action, the district can move from the design phase into preconstruction.

• The $50,000 land purchase allows for site expansion and removes the need for a costly retaining wall.

• The $450,000 allocation funds architectural plans, bid preparation and contractor procurement.

• The $46 million figure approved in 2024 represents the total project budget but not full funding. Officials have said the district will rely on future bond issuances and additional county appropriations to cover the entire amount. (WFDD, 2024)

The current county vote advances the project but covers only the early design and site-acquisition phase. Full construction funding still requires additional approval from county commissioners.

Ongoing Concerns and Community Watch Points

Despite the progress, several issues remain under scrutiny:

• The county attorney recently noted that several parcels for the new Ashley site were purchased over time without explicit county approval, raising questions under state law. (BPR/WFDD, 2025)

• Community advocates continue to push for a facility that includes wraparound services such as a health clinic, daycare center and community hub. (The Chronicle, 2025)

• The existing school remains open, making it essential that construction plans minimize disruption to students and staff.

Why It Matters

For the East Winston community, the Ashley project represents more than a new building. It’s about equity, investment and trust.

“This is a long time coming, long overdue,” one longtime supporter said earlier this year. “The students and families of Ashley want to urge this commission to vote in favor — and then, of course, continue to maintain that support as this project continues.”

As the district and county move forward, transparency around land acquisition, community engagement and contractor selection will be critical for parents, educators and residents who have been waiting years for change.

What’s Next

• The district plans to finalize design documents and put the project out for bid by spring or summer 2026.

• Officials say they intend to include community feedback in the design process and want the new building to serve as a community center with wraparound family services.

• The Board of Commissioners and Board of Education must coordinate to release additional funds and ensure all property purchases comply with state statute.

Bottom line: After years of advocacy and delays, Forsyth County’s half-million-dollar commitment marks an important step — but not full construction funding. The $46 million estimate remains a budget target, not a secured balance. For East Winston families, this milestone represents hope — and a reminder that continued vigilance is needed to turn plans into a completed school.