multiple job fairs planned for former WS/FCS employees

FORSYTH COUNTY, N.C. — Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is working to help staff impacted by its reduction in force plan find new jobs.

“We are inviting other districts and community folks who have positions available to come to a fair that we will invite our staff to,” said interim Superintendent Catty Moore at the WS/FCS school board meeting Tuesday. 

The event will be held at the WS/FCS Education building located at the central office on Sept. 4, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Forsyth Tech Community College is one of the many employers that plans to attend and hire former district workers. 

“We have a mix of instructor and staff support positions. Lots of those would make great roles for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools employees. It’s a mix of part-time and full-time depending on what someone is looking for,” said Rachel Schroeder, the college’s chief human experience officer. 

Schroeder said the move will allow students in their dual enrollment programs to reconnect with their teachers. 

It also guarantees that those laid-off workers can keep their benefits.

“We understand that what’s at stake for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools employees — benefits and retirement and things that they are used to. And so as community college system employees, we also have access to state benefits, and so that might make a transition a bit easier,” Schroeder said.

Local groups are also helping out. 

Galilee Missionary Baptist Church has already started helping former employees find jobs in the area. 

“We had Dr. Roseboro from the Montgomery school system here, and some folks were able to get some help and get placed. So we’re excited about that,” Pastor Dr. Nathan Scovens said. 

Scovens said the church will also host a job fair after he learned many members of his church were directly affected by the layoffs. 

“I know this is a hard thing, but we see it as an opportunity to come together as a community and to help one another. So I’m appreciative of all of the surrounding communities. And I understand that people are angry, and they have a right to be angry, but after we finish expressing our anger, what are we going to do? And this is an opportunity for us to spread some cheer,” he said. 

The last day for former employees is Sept. 12. 

The job fair at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church will be held on Sept. 15.