Henry McCarthy

Buket Urgen

Henry McCarthy's campaign for Forsyth County Board of Education member, Democratic primary, is his first time running for public office.

March 3 primary launches sweeping 2026 election cycle for Forsyth ...

As of January 2, 2026, Henry McCarthy’s website did not contain information on this issue.

School Facilities & Resources

Access to Education

Teachers

School Curriculum

Student Wellbeing

Donald Dunn

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Elisabeth Motsinger

Elisabeth is from Mount Kisco, New York. She attended Winston-Salem State University and has a bachelor’s degree from Winston-Salem State University. She has a master’s degree in bioethics from Wake Forest University. She lives with her husband in Walkertown. She attends her church community.

Elisabeth Motsinger - Ballotpedia

Motsinger for Congress Campaign Launches New Website - High ...

Elisabeth Motsinger previously served as an at-large member of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education. She was first elected in 2006 and served four terms before leaving office on January 5, 2023. Motsinger ran as the Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in North Carolina’s 5th Congressional District in 2012 but lost in the general election. In 2020, she ran for the North Carolina House of Representatives in District 75 and was defeated.

Carolina Curious: What's the main role of the school board? | 88.5 ...

As of January 2, 2026, Elisabeth Motsinger’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Helped create a new sex education film while serving on a school board committee.

Frank M. James

Frank M. James IV's campaign for Forsyth County Board of Education member, Democratic primary, is his first time running for public office.

As of January 2, 2026, Frank M. James’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Gwendolyn Johnson

LinkedIn

Gwendolyn Johnson's campaign for an at-large seat on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education.

3 incumbents, 9 newcomers file to run for WS/FCS Board of ...

As of January 2, 2026, Gwendolyn Johnson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Linda Winikoff

Linda Winikoff's campaign for the Forsyth County Board of Education At-Large seat is her first entry into politics.

CONTACT | WS Freedom Schools

Forsyth County Democratic Women

Believes public education is essential for democracy and advocates for adequate funding and resources to ensure every child has access to quality education.

As of January 2, 2026, Linda Winikoff’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports the bill to increase teacher salaries, stating that teachers are the backbone of the education system and deserve fair compensation.

Richard Watts

Richard Watts has a bachelor's degree from Wake Forest University. He has 32 years of experience in education and currently works with Crosby Scholars.

Staff Feature: Richard Watts' Story of Service - Crosby Scholars ...

Board of Education Wrap-Up | Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools

Richard is an educator. He previously worked as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, and principal in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools district. He also serves as a pastor at Rickards Chapel AME Zion Church.

Richard Watts - Ballotpedia

Three incumbents advance in primary for WS/FC school board ...

Richard is currently an at-large member of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools school board. He was elected in 2022 and his current term ends in 2026.

3 incumbents, 9 newcomers file to run for WS/FCS Board of Education

As of January 2, 2026, Richard Watts’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Wants to improve teacher morale and respect.

Wants to address achievement gaps by funding research-based curriculum to improve elementary reading and math scores.

Supports the continuation of anti-bullying initiatives.

Ronda Mays

Ronda Mays is from Buffalo, New York. She attended the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts. She has a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo, earned in 1993, and a graduate degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo, earned in 1995.

Ronda Mays - Ballotpedia

New senator to take District 31 seat for first time in a decade

Ronda Mays's campaign for Forsyth County Board of Education Member, Democratic Primary is her first entry into politics. Ronda Mays previously ran for North Carolina State Senate District 31 in 2024 and did not win.

ELECTION RESULTS: Democrats Paul Lowe and Ronda Mays win ...

Supports increasing per pupil funding to the national average.

Opposes school voucher programs that divert funds from public schools to private schools.

Supports longevity pay as a means to attract and retain educators, emphasizing that all educator roles deserve salaries reflecting their professional level.

Supports the availability of high-speed internet in all communities to enhance children's educational success.

As of January 2, 2026, Ronda Mays’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Valerie Brockenbrough

Valerie is the founder and owner of Zoë b Organic. She has been running the company since 2005, importing baby pacifiers handmade with natural rubber from a small family-owned company in Italy.

Valerie Brockenbrough - Ballotpedia

Valerie Brockenbrough previously ran for the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners representing District B in 2024 and did not win.

2024 Elections: Forsyth County commission race - Triad City Beat

Believes the state should invest more in public education rather than funding private schools, and criticizes current County Commissioners for not demanding more funding for public schools.

Supports investing in school buildings to meet 21st-century standards and advocates for a school bond on the ballot in 2024 or 2026.

Opposes the use of taxpayer money to fund private schools and advocates for increased investment in public education.

Supports increasing teacher pay in North Carolina to improve retention.

As of January 2, 2026, Valerie Brockenbrough’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Vondell M. Davis

Vondell M. Davis is from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She has a master 27s degree in science from North Carolina Central University and a paralegal certification from Duke University. She has a 5-year-old daughter.

Vondell M. Davis - Noord-Carolina League of Conservation Voters

Vondell is the owner of Davis Paralegal Services, LLC, where she works as a full-time freelance paralegal. She also runs Bizi Kidz, a drop-in childcare service in Kernersville. 

Vondell M. Davis's campaign for Forsyth County Board of Education member, Democratic primary, is her first time running for public office.

As of January 2, 2026, Vondell M. Davis’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports education, equality, and community engagement, aiming to contribute her voice, experience, and leadership to governance and committees.

- The Board of Education runs the public school system. They create policies that establish standards, accountability and evaluation of essential operations of the school system.
- The Board of Education member hires a superintendent and can remove them when necessary. The superintendent assists the Board of Education in implementing the board’s policies. 
- The Board of Education is charged with deciding the school budget. This means they decide how to allocate money between different services, such as teacher pay, repairing school facilities, or access to technology.
- Board of Education members are elected every four years. 