WS Chronicle

The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education approved two new district leaders at its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 15. Dr. Paula Wilkins has been named chief academic officer and Ms. Bridget Hayes is the new principal of North Forsyth High School.

Wilkins earned a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Central University, a master of arts in teaching from Wake Forest University, a master’s degree in educational leadership, an education specialist degree from Appalachian State University, and a doctorate in education from Gardner-Webb University.

She has over fifteen years in public education, having started with Guilford County Schools in 2007. She began work with WS/FCS as an instructional specialist in 2009. During her time with the district, she was a program manager, director of human resources, principal of Cook Literacy Model School, and the executive director of Project Impact, all with WS/FCS.

Wilkins replaces Nicolette Grant, who left the district earlier this fall to pursue other opportunities. Wilkins begins her new role on Dec. 5.

Hayes received a bachelor of arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She got her master of arts from Gardner-Webb University. 

She began her career in education as a science teacher in Durham Public Schools. She began with WS/FCS as a science teacher at Jefferson Middle School in 2011. She was the interim principal and assistant principal at the Career Center and most recently the assistant principal at Mineral Springs Middle School.

Hayes will replace Melita Wise, who is retiring. Hayes begins her new role on Jan. 3, 2023.