SEPTEMBER 13, 2012 - Donald L. Martin Jr., D.Ed., the Superintendent of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, has announced his intention to retire on June 30, 2013, after 19 years of service to the district.
Dr. Martin informed the Board of Education in August that he planned to retire at the end of the school year just prior to his 62nd birthday. He plans to spend more time with his family, relaxing at the coast and may consider teaching at the university level. He has agreed to be available until Dec. 31, 2013 to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
“Dr. Martin has been a dedicated leader who has worked tirelessly to improve our school system,” said Donny Lambeth, Chairman of the Board of Education. “I have admired Don’s unique ability to deal with difficult budgetary issues facing the school system for many years now. In addition, his involvement in the community has been very effective as he worked to forge alliances in the community to encourage volunteerism in our schools. The impact of his work will be felt for decades, and we appreciate his loyalty and integrity over the years.” 
Lambeth said a search to replace Dr. Martin will begin immediately and that the Board of Education has set an aggressive timetable to fill the position. He said a website will be established to receive resumes from interested candidates and that advertising, publicity, social media and networking channels will be used to recruit candidates.
“We want to name Dr. Martin’s replacement by May of 2013 so that the person has time to work with him for a few months before he begins his retirement,” he said. To accomplish the ambitious hiring timetable, ads will run in publications in the fourth quarter of 2012, with a deadline of Dec. 31 for applicants to submit resumes. A pool of candidates will be interviewed in the first quarter of 2013 and the Board intends to name the new Superintendent by April 30, 2013.
Lambeth will head the selection committee comprised of members of the Board of Education. The Board will review each application and conduct all interviews.
Dr. Martin said that after nearly 40 years working in K-12 education he is looking forward to spending more time with family, particularly his 3-year-old granddaughter.
“My nearly 19 years as superintendent in Forsyth County has been very rewarding, thanks to the faith and determination of the Board of Education, employees, students and their families,” he said.
But he added that he won’t reflect on his career until the year is over. “There is a lot of work to accomplish during the next 9-and-a-half months. Anyone who knows me knows I won’t retire on the job!” he said.
- Click here to read Chairman Donny Lambeth's letter to the community.
- Click here to read Superintendent Don Martin's letter to parents.
