The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education has approved a contract to hire Dr. Kenneth Simington as Interim Superintendent while the board begins the search for Dr. Beverly Emory’s permanent replacement. Emory announced her resignation as WS/FCS Superintendent on February 8, 2019.  She will begin working as the Director of District and Regional Support with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction in May.

Simington spent most of his 30+ years in education in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. Most recently, he has served as Deputy Superintendent since 2016. Prior to that role, he served as the Assistant Superintendent for Instructional and Student Services and the Chief Academic Officer. Simington has been in multiple roles during his tenure, starting as a school counselor.  He has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master’s of Education degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  He has his Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.  He attended Carver High School and graduated from East Forsyth High School.

“I am thankful to the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education for the opportunity to serve during this time,’ says Simington.  “I look forward to working with all of our students, families, teachers, administrators, staff, and the community.  It is important that the district stays focused on the work ahead for the best outcomes for our students.”

Dr. Beverly Emory commented about the decision saying, “Dr. Simington’s institutional knowledge and personal reputation as a man of integrity and well-deserved respect make him uniquely qualified to step into the Interim Superintendent’s role as the district approaches budget and hiring season.”

Malishai Woodbury, WS/FCS Board of Education Chair, says, “Dr. Simington has dedicated his career to this district and after years working in many different roles, as the current Deputy Superintendent, it only makes sense that he steps in to lead during this crucial time. Dr. Simington has a vast understanding of district operations and is best positioned to help manage the important work that must continue while we search for a new superintendent.”

According to the contract approved by the board, Simington’s first official day will be Friday, March 1, 2019. As of that date, Emory will move into a consultative role to help during the transition until her resignation becomes effective on May 5, 2019.  In the coming weeks, the board plans to begin working on the selection process and timeline for hiring a permanent replacement.  Those options will likely include consultation with the North Carolina School Board Association and other outside consultants whose role will be to aid in a national search.