Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools

Speas Elementary School

Robert Ash began teaching in 1997 and taught special education, social studies, art, ESL, and more before becoming an assistant principal and later a principal. He’s set a strong culture at Speas since joining the school in 2013 and is now a Principal of the Year finalist for the third time. WS/FCS holds a special place in his heart, and he’s honored to serve both its students and his fellow educators.

“I have a goal to promote learning and understanding in students that expresses the ideals of being well-rounded, caring, and inquisitive,” Ash said. “Doing this for one of the most diverse student populations with the most diverse staff at Speas solidifies in me that WS/FCS is the place to work and be part of.”

Diggs-Latham Elementary

Cassandra Dobson has taught and administrated at six different WS/FCS campuses since 2000. Diggs-Latham has been a National Magnet School of Distinction for three years running under her leadership, and she was named a North Carolina Art Education Association Friend of the Arts I in 2024. She considers it both a professional and personal mission to make sure every student she encounters lives up to their potential.

“The sole purpose of education is to grow children; a successful school will therefore be student-centered and engaging,” Dobson said. “I hold myself accountable for the daily impact we have on student outcomes.”

The Special Children's School

Sandra Gilmer has worked in public school administration since 2000 and has been principal of The Special Children's School since 2011. Her priorities include maintaining the school’s 5-Star status, providing her staff with professional development opportunities, and building strong, trusting relationships with students and their families. She’s worked for five different school districts, and she says WS/FCS is unique in its commitment to its core values.

“In WS/FCS, our core values and beliefs are unmistakable,” Gilmer said. “They are stated at meetings and consistently used for decision-making. As an administrator, I appreciate that there are high standards and expectations for the way I engage, work, and serve others within my school and community.”

Caleb's Creek Elementary

Rita McPhatter has worked in public education since 1996 as a principal, assistant principal, curriculum facilitator, teacher, team leader, and technology specialist. She’s led significant academic growth at Caleb’s Creek and helped several teachers in obtaining and expanding their teaching licenses. She takes a special joy in seeing children of all backgrounds come together to learn and become more complete people.

“Watching the next generation learn and grow is a privilege, and I am continually inspired by the excitement and spark in a child’s eyes when they grasp a new concept, witness something for the first time, or develop a skill that will serve them for life, especially the foundational skill of learning how to read,” McPhatter said.

Brunson Elementary

Anissia Scales has served WS/FCS for 24 years as a principal, teacher, assistant principal, program manager, and curriculum coordinator. She was the founding principal of the WS/FCS Virtual Academy in 2020 and helped Brunson move off the low-performing list based on 2022-2023 EOG data. Her academic and professional journeys have been centered in Winston-Salem, and she relishes the opportunity to pay it forward to her students.

“Growing up in Winston-Salem, attending elementary, middle, and high school here, having a strong connection to the community, and understanding the unique needs of our students motivates me to be an active part of creating meaningful educational experiences,” Scales said.