Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools actively pursues comprehensive facilities modernization and infrastructure upgrades across its campuses in 2026. This includes significant construction projects like the new Ashley Elementary School, alongside numerous operational renovations for specific school facilities such as HVAC systems, roofs, and athletic fields. The district also engages in strategic technology lifecycle management, evidenced by current equipment disposal and a focused restructuring of its digital learning programs.
These ongoing initiatives create operational pressure to coordinate construction schedules, integrate new building systems, manage technology transitions, and adapt instructional delivery models. Vendors can support Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools by providing solutions that streamline project management, enhance facility performance, optimize technology deployment and support, and facilitate evolving educational environments. The current focus on operational efficiency amidst budget constraints means systems that offer long-term value and immediate functional improvements are particularly important.
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Snapshot
Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
School District: Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
Grades Served: Pre-K through Grade 12
Technology Environment: Actively managing technology lifecycle, consolidating digital learning resources, and planning for AI integration.
Key Initiative: Facilities Modernization and Infrastructure Upgrades.
Website: https://www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/
Recent Funding and Procurement Activity
| Funding Activity | Amount | Operational Area | Current School-Level Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forsyth County Annual Allocation (District Level) | $180,000,000 | General Operating Budget | Supports overall operational funding for school-level initiatives. |
| Multiple Facility Renovation Bids | Varies by project | Campus Infrastructure Upgrades | Active procurement for HVAC, roofing, boiler, kitchen, and athletic field projects at specific schools. |
| Technology Surplus Request for Proposal | N/A (sale of assets) | Technology Lifecycle Management | Disposition of older technology, indicating an ongoing refresh cycle. |
Leadership and Key Buying Personas
| Name | Role | Department | Public Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Don Fipps | Superintendent | Administration | - |
| Lauren Richards | Chief Operations Officer | Operations Division | alrichards@wsfcs.k12.nc.us |
| Kevin Sherrill | Chief Technology Officer | Technology | - |
| John W. Mann, Jr. | Director of Procurement Services | Purchasing | jwmann@wsfcs.k12.nc.us |
| Darrell Walker | Executive Director, Planning & Construction | Facilities Planning & Construction | - |
| Paula Wilkins | Chief Academic Officer | Instructional Services | - |
| Frank Pantano | Executive Director, Choice and Magnet Schools | Choice and Magnet Schools | - |
Key Initiatives at a Glance
- Modernizing school facilities with new construction and targeted infrastructure upgrades.
- Implementing a comprehensive technology refresh cycle, including disposing of older equipment.
- Restructuring virtual learning programs for elementary and middle/high school students.
- Integrating Artificial Intelligence concepts into classroom instruction through professional development.
- Strategically planning future district operations and resource allocation for 2026-2028.
What Companies Can Sell to Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
| Who Can Sell Here | Current Initiative | Operational Pressure | Seller Positioning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facilities Management Solutions | Modernizing existing campus infrastructure (HVAC, roofs, boilers). | Coordinating multiple renovation projects across various school sites. | Offer integrated project management platforms for facility upgrades. |
| Constructing the new Ashley Elementary School. | Managing construction timelines and budget adherence. | Provide construction oversight and material procurement services. | |
| Building System Integrators | Upgrading specific school systems like kitchen equipment and athletic fields. | Ensuring compatibility and efficiency of new systems with existing infrastructure. | Position as experts in K-12 building system integration. |
| Classroom Technology Providers | Refreshing existing classroom technology and disposing of surplus. | Ensuring smooth transition and minimal disruption during equipment replacement. | Offer device deployment, management, and secure data wiping services. |
| Planning for AI integration in classrooms. | Developing pedagogical approaches for ethical and effective AI use. | Provide AI-powered educational tools and professional development for educators. | |
| Digital Learning Platforms | Restructuring virtual learning programs. | Consolidating digital resources while maintaining instructional continuity. | Offer flexible virtual learning environments and content management systems. |
| Educational Technology Software | Reducing supplemental electronic resources. | Evaluating and optimizing the existing suite of digital learning tools. | Highlight cost-effective, high-impact learning software. |
| School Security System Vendors | Invitation for Bids on Parkland Mapping System. | Enhancing campus safety and emergency response capabilities. | Provide advanced mapping and incident response software. |
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Why Companies Should Consider Selling to Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
- Actively investing in facilities and infrastructure upgrades across multiple campuses.
- Engaged in a technology refresh cycle and modernizing digital learning environments.
- Prioritizing strategic planning for long-term operational stability and system strengthening.
- Implementing significant operational changes, creating demand for supportive solutions.
- Seeking efficiencies and value in purchasing due to ongoing budget management.
1. Facilities Modernization and Campus Infrastructure Upgrades
What Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Is Doing
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is undertaking widespread facilities modernization. This includes the planning and design phase for constructing a new Ashley Elementary School. Concurrently, the district is managing numerous renovation projects, including bids for HVAC systems, roof repairs, boiler replacements, kitchen alterations, and athletic field upgrades at various schools. The district is also restructuring special education facilities by considering ending leases for dedicated schools and relocating students to district-owned sites that require accessibility upgrades.
Key Buyer Personas
- Chief Operations Officer
- Executive Director, Planning & Construction
- Director of Procurement Services
- Campus Facilities Managers
- Project Managers
Operational Challenges
- Coordinating diverse renovation projects and new construction schedules simultaneously across multiple school sites.
- Ensuring new or upgraded building systems integrate seamlessly with existing campus infrastructure.
- Managing vendor timelines and material deliveries to avoid disruptions to school operations.
- Addressing specific accessibility needs and retrofitting existing facilities for special education students.
Company Categories That Can Sell to Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
- Construction Management Software
- HVAC and Building Controls
- Roofing and Exterior Maintenance
- Architectural and Engineering Services
- Playground and Athletic Field Equipment
Companies That Can Sell to Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
Facilities Construction and Renovation
AECOM — Provides comprehensive architectural, engineering, and construction services for educational facilities.
Relevant for: Supporting new school construction and large-scale renovation project management.
Trane — Offers HVAC systems, building management controls, and energy efficiency solutions.
Relevant for: Upgrading school heating, ventilation, and air conditioning infrastructure.
Daltile — Supplies a wide range of tile and surfacing materials for commercial and institutional projects.
Relevant for: Providing durable, easy-to-maintain finishes for updated school kitchens and common areas.
Sample Outbound Angle
"Noticed Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools actively bidding on multiple facilities renovation projects, from HVAC to roofing and kitchen upgrades.
Schools undergoing simultaneous upgrades often face challenges coordinating schedules and ensuring consistent quality across diverse vendors.
Some districts centralize project oversight with integrated platforms to maintain project visibility and streamline approvals. Can share what's working if useful."
2. Technology Lifecycle Management
What Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Is Doing
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is managing its technology assets through a comprehensive lifecycle approach. This includes an active Request for Proposal (RFP) process for selling technology surplus, indicating a refresh cycle where older equipment is being replaced. Concurrently, the district is re-evaluating and reducing supplemental electronic resources for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, consolidating its suite of digital learning tools. The district is also developing professional learning plans to integrate Artificial Intelligence concepts and technologies into classrooms, focusing on educator training for ethical and effective use.
Key Buyer Personas
- Chief Technology Officer
- Director of Procurement Services
- Instructional Technology Coordinator
- Director of Curriculum and Instruction
- IT Operations Manager
Operational Challenges
- Coordinating secure and efficient disposal of outdated technology while minimizing data risks.
- Streamlining the existing portfolio of electronic resources to reduce redundancy and manage costs.
- Developing effective training programs for educators on the practical application of AI in classrooms.
- Integrating new AI tools ethically and effectively within the current instructional technology stack.
Company Categories That Can Sell to Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
- IT Asset Disposition Services
- Digital Learning Resource Management
- AI Education Platforms
- Professional Development for Technology
- Device Management Software
Companies That Can Sell to Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
IT Asset Management
CDW-G — Offers hardware procurement, device deployment, and IT asset disposal services for educational institutions.
Relevant for: Assisting with the secure and environmentally responsible disposal of technology surplus.
Lightspeed Systems — Provides web filtering, device management, and online safety solutions for K-12 schools.
Relevant for: Managing student devices and ensuring digital safety during technology refreshes.
Google for Education — Offers cloud-based learning tools, productivity suites, and AI-powered resources for K-12.
Relevant for: Providing a robust platform that supports AI integration and consolidated digital resources.
Sample Outbound Angle
"Seeing Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is managing technology lifecycle with a surplus sale and reviewing digital resources.
Many districts coordinating these efforts find unexpected challenges in ensuring data security during disposal and optimizing resource utilization across various platforms.
We've observed organizations gaining efficiency by implementing integrated IT asset management solutions. Could be useful to share some approaches."
3. Virtual Learning Program Restructuring
What Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Is Doing
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is restructuring its virtual learning offerings for the 2025-2026 school year. The district is phasing out its virtual school program for elementary students (grades 3-5). For middle and high school students, virtual learning programs are being consolidated and moved under the administration of Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy. This operational change aims to streamline virtual instruction and address concerns regarding enrollment and instructional efficacy in the elementary grades.
Key Buyer Personas
- Chief Academic Officer
- Executive Director, Choice and Magnet Schools
- Director of Digital Learning
- Principal of Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy
- Instructional Technology Coordinator
Operational Challenges
- Ensuring a smooth transition for elementary students from virtual to in-person learning environments.
- Consolidating virtual learning platforms and resources for middle and high school programs.
- Providing consistent instructional quality and support across the restructured virtual academy.
- Communicating changes effectively to students, parents, and staff.
Company Categories That Can Sell to Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
- Virtual Learning Platforms
- Curriculum Development Services
- Teacher Professional Development
- Student Information Systems (Integration)
- Online Courseware Providers
Companies That Can Sell to Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
Online Learning and Management Systems
Canvas by Instructure — Offers a comprehensive learning management system (LMS) for K-12 education.
Relevant for: Providing a centralized and flexible platform for the consolidated virtual learning academy.
Edgenuity (now Imagine Learning) — Delivers online curriculum and instructional services for K-12 students.
Relevant for: Supporting curriculum needs for students transitioning to or continuing in virtual environments.
PowerSchool — Offers K-12 education technology solutions, including student information systems and learning management.
Relevant for: Integrating student data and attendance across new virtual learning structures.
Sample Outbound Angle
"Noticed Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is restructuring its virtual learning programs for the 2026 school year.
Districts consolidating virtual academies often face challenges in ensuring seamless student transitions and maintaining consistent access to digital resources.
Many are adopting flexible LMS solutions that centralize instruction and simplify resource management. Happy to share some insights on this."
Final Take
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is engaged in a dynamic period of operational change in 2026, marked by significant facilities modernization and strategic adjustments to its technology and learning environments. This creates clear operational pressures related to project coordination, system integration, and pedagogical adaptation. Vendors can position solutions that offer practical support in facilities management, technology lifecycle optimization, and digital learning solutions to help the district navigate these transformations effectively.
Need help selling to U.S. Schools?
Identify school buying signals like grants, contract renewals, and more, find key decision-maker contacts, and reach out to the right schools at the right time with Pintel.ai.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What technology initiatives are active at Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools in 2026? The district is managing technology surplus for refresh, consolidating electronic resources, and developing AI integration plans.
Are there current construction projects at Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools? Yes, planning is underway for a new Ashley Elementary School, and numerous specific school facility renovations are actively being bid.
Who is the Chief Technology Officer for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools? Kevin Sherrill is the Chief Technology Officer for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.
What is Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools doing with its virtual learning programs? Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is phasing out elementary virtual learning and consolidating middle/high school virtual programs under Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy.
Where can vendors find procurement opportunities with Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools? Vendors can find procurement opportunities, including facility renovation bids and technology RFPs, through the district's purchasing department.