Fiscal Stability and Academic Growth: Robert Barr’s Vision for WSFCS

Robert Barr directly confronts the WSFCS's financial leadership following the bombshell audit that revealed a massive $46M deficit

As our community looks ahead to the upcoming elections, the future of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools (WSFCS) is top of mind for many of us here in the Lewisville-Clemmons area. We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Robert Barr, a candidate for the District 2 School Board. With deep roots in Forsyth County, a 14-year background in the classroom, and over two decades of service as an Associate Pastor at Agape Faith Church, Robert brings a unique, community-focused perspective to the race. In the interview below, he shares his tipping point for stepping off the sidelines, his firm stance on the district's recent financial hurdles, and his vision for ensuring our local students succeed.

WLLC: Do you live in  Lewisville or Clemmons? 

Robert: Clemmons/Waterford

WLLC: Position (What position do you hold or are running for?)

Robert: I am running in District 2 for School Board.

WLLC: How long have you lived in Lewisville/Clemmons? (If you don’t live in L-C, how long have you lived in Forsyth Co.?)

Robert: I moved from Winston-Salem to Clemmons in 2005. I was born and raised in Forsyth County.

WLLC: Where did you grow up? High School? College?

Robert: I graduated from WSSU with a Bachelor's Degree in Education and later received my Master's in Education from Wake Forest.

WLLC: What was the specific 'tipping point' moment where you said, “I can't stay on the sidelines anymore; I have to lead”?

Robert: My tipping point was the decline of academic growth among our students.

WLLC: Why did you want to become a leader in this community?

Robert: I wanted to become a leader because I wanted to give back. This community has been a very good community to raise a family in.

WLLC: What was it like when you first started?

Robert: When I first started I was naive and excited, but quickly came to understand that I needed to quickly understand the issues and make tough decisions.

WLLC: What is one common 'myth' about being a local official that you've discovered is completely untrue since taking office?

Robert: A common myth centers around the idea that you get elected and can make changes alone. The reality is that you are only one vote, and you must work with other people to get them to vote with you to make significant changes.

WLLC: Do you have any advice to give aspiring leaders?

Robert: My advice for aspiring leaders: there are lots of pressures, but remain committed to your core values and vote your conscience, not what is popular.

WLLC: Who inspired your political aspirations? What was it that inspired you?

Robert: Proverbs 31:23 inspired my political aspirations. Proverbs says, "Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land." This scripture inspired me to run for school board.

WLLC: Who were your role models? What did you learn from them?

Robert: My role models have always been pastors, teachers, and counselors. What I learned from them is leadership and compassion.

WLLC: On the $46M WSFCS Shortfall: The 2025 state audit identified that the district overspent by $46 million, partly due to using one-time COVID funds for recurring salaries and failing to adjust staffing to declining enrollment. Knowing this now, what specific 'red flags' would you have looked for in monthly financial reports to catch this sooner, and what is your plan to ensure the district never bypasses budget limits again?

Robert: Concerning the shortfall, I would have demanded the budget be presented in the form of budget-to-actuals, clearer reporting on the communication between HR and Finance, and access to all notifications from the state.

WLLC: On Revenue & Taxes: Because the School Board cannot raise taxes, you must rely on the County Commissioners for local funding. In light of the recent deficit, are you in favor of asking the Commissioners for a tax increase to restore the fund balance, or do you believe the district must find further 'draconian' cuts within the existing budget to pay back the debt?

Robert: I am anti-tax. I do not believe in raising taxes. The board needs to make sure spending is less than revenue. I would not put the reduction of debt on my community. I do not want my property taxes to increase.

WLLC: On Accountability & Vision: The audit noted a 'lack of financial management' and years of poor accounting practices. Beyond simply hiring a permanent CFO, what is your vision for a more transparent Board of Education? For example, would you support a public-facing 'Live Budget Dashboard' or an independent external audit committee to rebuild community trust?

Robert: Yes, I support a community dashboard and external audit team. I also would like to hire an internal auditor to constantly check the accounting and report to the board.

WLLC: "Digital/Future":  Automation and AI are rapidly changing the local job market. How should our local government or school system be preparing our citizens for a future where technology plays a much larger role in our daily work?

Robert: As far as technology goes, we need to learn how it can be implemented to make processes efficient and accurate.

WLLC: What are your goals and vision as a community leader?

Robert: My goals are fiscal stability, academic growth, and helping our students become successful.

WLLC: What is something most people don't know about you?

Robert: I am an Associate Pastor in our community at Agape Faith Church. I have been on staff for over 20 years. Prior to that, I taught school for 14 years. I taught 3rd, 4th, 7th, and served as a curriculum coordinator. I attended Lewisville Elementary and remember all of my teachers and the positive impact they had on my life. One last thing, when I was in 7th grade I learned how to play "Country Road" on the acoustic guitar. I can still play the song and remember the chords!

WLLC: What is the most memorable experience you’ve had working there?

Robert: The most memorable experience I have had is seeing the students shine, especially those who have struggled in the past.

WLLC: What do you love most about the community?

Robert: What I love most about Clemmons is the family and community feel.

WLLC: What are your favorite things to do in the neighborhood?

Robert: My favorite thing to do in the neighborhood is going for a walk at Tanglewood.

WLLC: Why do you think it's important for people to shop local?

Robert: People should shop locally to support the entrepreneurial spirit in our community; in addition, it supports the community financially.

WLLC: What do you want to see improve the most in this neighborhood (AND/OR with WSFCS)?

Robert: In WSFCS, having a new superintendent will improve our schools. Dr. Phipps is an experienced and successful leader with outstanding business and interpersonal skills.

WLLC: Website/Blog

Robert: robertbarrforschoolboard.com