Restoring Excellence: A Conversation with Allen Daniel for WS/FCS Board of Education

As a community-focused leader with deep roots in Clemmons, Allen Daniel is stepping forward to advocate for excellence and fiscal responsibility within the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board. A 1973 graduate of West Forsyth High School with a professional background in IT and local government accounting software, Allen brings a unique blend of historical perspective and technical expertise to the table.

Motivated by a desire to restore student accountability, support classroom educators, and ensure transparent financial management, he is dedicated to transforming WSFCS into the premier public school district in the Southeast.

Here is our recent interview with him.

WLLC: Can you please provide your full name, position, and the neighborhood you represent? 

Allen: My name is Allen Daniel, and I am seeking a seat on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education for District 2, representing Clemmons. 

WLLC: How long have you lived in Forsyth County, and where did you grow up? 

Allen: I have lived in Clemmons for about half of my 70 years. I was born and raised here—my homeplace was actually where the Walmart is now located. I graduated from West Forsyth High School in 1973 before attending East Carolina University. I eventually moved back to Clemmons in 2007.

WLLC: What was the specific "tipping point" that made you decide to lead rather than stay on the sidelines? 

Allen: The initial tipping point was in 2019 after teaching in the district and seeing a lack of student accountability and a lack of support for teachers. Most recently, the tipping point was the tragic death of a student at North Forsyth on December 9th, combined with seeing a continued lack of fiscal responsibility regarding the school district's debt.

WLLC: What is a common "myth" about being a local official that you have discovered is untrue?

Allen: While I haven't served in office yet, I have attended most meetings since 2019. The myth is that the school board actually understands accounting and the district budget.

WLLC: Who inspired your desire to serve the community, and who are your role models? 

Allen: I am inspired by servant leaders like pastors and community volunteers who give of themselves. My primary role model is Jesus Christ, who taught us to love everyone as our neighbor. 

WLLC: Regarding the $46 million WSFCS shortfall identified in the state audit, what "red flags" would you have looked for to catch this sooner?

Allen: I saw red flags as early as 2021 regarding sales tax money and called them out. The board must insist on timely, detailed accounting reports every month and actually understand them. The fact that the 2023 audit was submitted three months late was a major red flag that should have resulted in immediate consequences.

WLLC: In light of the recent deficit, do you favor asking for a tax increase or finding further cuts within the existing budget? 

Allen: Until we get rid of programs and consultants that don't work and redirect that money to classroom educators, we won't truly know if we need more money. We must first show that every dollar is being spent wisely before asking for more.

WLLC: What is your vision for a more transparent Board of Education? 

Allen: I spent 36 years in IT and local government accounting software, so I understand these systems deeply. I support a public-facing "Live Budget Dashboard" and want every financial document to be easily accessible on the district website.

WLLC: How should the school system prepare citizens for a future dominated by AI and technology?

Allen: While technology is a useful tool for analyzing large volumes of data, it cannot replace actual learning or solve complex human problems. I believe we should invest in people rather than grand technology schemes that are outdated as soon as they arrive. Excellent teachers must always take precedence over devices.

WLLC: What are your primary goals and vision if elected to the school board?

Allen: My goal is to establish an expectation of excellence for everyone in the district. Within the next four years, I want to see WSFCS become the best public school district in the Southeast. Great schools attract Fortune 500 companies and help solve many other community problems.

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

Allen: I love to dance! I've been involved in social dancing since college and am an active member of the contra dance community. On election night, I will actually be doing the sound for a local dance at Knollwood Baptist Church.

WLLC: What do you love most about the community, and where are your favorite places to go? 

Allen: I love the people. I particularly appreciate how Lewisville is trying to maintain its small-town feel. My favorite places are Tanglewood and my church, Hope Moravian.

WLLC: Why do you believe it is important for people to shop local?

Allen: Small businesses are the glue of the community. When K-mart closed, my dream was to open a "Clemmons General Store" as a community centerpiece where local kids could get their first jobs.

WLLC: What do you want to see improve the most in our neighborhood?

Allen: I want to see less unrestricted development and a more thoughtful, planned growth that respects the environment and the quality of life for long-time residents. For our schools, I simply want to see our students thrive academically and in life. 

WLLC: Allen also shared some links with us he thought voters may be interested in.

WLLC: Thanks Allen for taking your time to answer our questions and share them with the Lewisville-Clemmons community