WINSTON-SALEM, NC (April 22, 2025) – During the Board of Education meeting tonight, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Superintendent Tricia McManus announced that she will leave the district June 30.
“Thank you for the opportunity to lead the amazing students and staff in this great community I have called home for the past five years. I have enjoyed meeting and serving thousands of students, families, and community members in pursuit of our vision for educational excellence, collaboration, and inclusiveness,” McManus said in a letter submitted to the Board of Education.
McManus first joined WS/FCS as Deputy Superintendent in June 2020. She has served as Superintendent since February 2021. McManus said retiring will allow her to focus on her growing family. Her first grandchild was born in summer 2024.
“We are deeply grateful to Superintendent McManus for her unwavering dedication to this community. She is a relentless advocate for our schools and has worked tirelessly for children,” said Board of Education Chair Deanna Kaplan. “She will leave our district stronger. We will miss her positive attitude. She is an all-in superintendent. There are no words to express our gratitude. We are excited for her as she moves on to this new chapter in her life.”
During her time at WS/FCS, McManus oversaw the district’s return to in-person classes after the COVID-19 pandemic and pushed for schools to make academic recovery. Under her leadership, the district adopted a series of “Future Ready” initiatives, with a focus on enhancing inclusion, sense of belonging, and deeper learning.
McManus said she is proud of what the district has accomplished in the last five years, including improved proficiency in math and reading, the district reaching its highest ever graduation rate, and increases in the number of students of color taking Advanced Placement courses and taking three or more Career Technical Education credentials. Under her tenure, the district increased the number of students taking dual enrollment courses at Forsyth Tech by 68%.
She also celebrated reductions in chronic absenteeism, the expansion of mental health resources available to students, and the introduction of an alternative to suspension program which led to 73% of participating students having no further discipline referrals upon returning to school.
“We have built the foundation for educational equity and excellence, and I wish nothing but the best for the future of WS/FCS. Our students are capable of so much,” McManus said. “Please continue pouring into them every day and do not allow the many distractions to get in the way of doing what is right. No student should fall through the cracks.”
On April 28, the Board of Education will hold a meeting to discuss plans to hire an interim superintendent. McManus will continue to work with the board through the transition period.