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Susan Miller on Literacy, Accountability, and the Future of WSFCS
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Susan Miller on Literacy, Accountability, and the Future of WSFCS |
The longtime educator and school board member shares her priorities for literacy, transparency, and student success in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. |
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Susan Miller has spent decades serving Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools as an educator, literacy specialist, and now incumbent District 2 member of the Board of Education. A 50-year Forsyth County resident and former WSFCS teacher, Miller brings classroom experience and instructional leadership to the board during a period of financial recovery and district change. In our We Love Lewisville-Clemmons interview, she shares her motivations for public service, her perspective on the recent budget shortfall, and her vision for literacy, transparency, and student success in WSFCS.
Note: This interview is part of WLLC’s community voter information series. WLLC does not endorse candidates or political parties. We aim to provide neutral information to help residents make informed decisions.
WLLC: Where did you grow up? High School? College? Susan: I grew up in Roanoke, Virginia and graduated from Cave Spring High School. I attended East Tennessee State University for my BS in Elementary Education and UNCG for my M.Ed. in Literacy K–12. I also completed post-master’s work at UNCG for NC Principal/Administrative Licensure.
WLLC: What was the specific “tipping point” moment where you said, “I can’t stay on the sidelines anymore; I have to lead”? Susan: After 23 years of teaching with WSFCS, I retired and wanted to make a positive impact on our district by serving on the Board of Education as a Reading Specialist, after having taught directly or indirectly thousands of children to read. Instructional and curriculum leadership is what I bring to the Board. I am passionate about literacy and our children.
WLLC: Why did you want to become a leader in this community? Susan: To serve our children and teachers and to make Winston-Salem a great place to live. It has always been great, but to make it even better.
WLLC: What was it like when you first started? Susan: It has been rewarding and a challenge — also one of the greatest honors of my life to serve the families, students, and teachers of WSFCS.
WLLC: What is one common myth about being a local official that you’ve discovered is completely untrue since taking office? Susan: Some people believe serving on the Board of Education involves only two night meetings monthly. However, I have found it to be an everyday commitment — being in schools, community events, or workshops. For me it has been a full-time commitment.
WLLC: Do you have any advice to give aspiring leaders? Susan: Stand by your convictions and let your voice be heard, even though it may not be popular.
WLLC: Who inspired your political aspirations? What was it that inspired you? Susan: I was involved in politics in high school. We had a club that helped candidates and ran campaigns. I enjoyed the energy and passion that surrounded those people and campaigns.
WLLC: Who were your role models? What did you learn from them? Susan: My mom was my most influential role model. She was a strong Christian who embodied service to others and leadership. She modeled confidence, independence, and strong character. She taught me how to make the world a better place and inspired me to do the same.
WLLC: On the $46M WSFCS shortfall: Knowing what we know now, what red flags should have been caught earlier, and how will you ensure the district never bypasses budget limits again? Susan: Three major preventive steps have been put in place: an External Audit Committee comprised of community stakeholders, new state-of-the-art financial technology software as a gatekeeper, and monthly budget-to-actual in-depth reports to the Board of Education, in addition to hiring a highly qualified CFO.
WLLC: On revenue and taxes: Would you support asking County Commissioners for a tax increase, or should the district make further cuts? Susan: The debt is down to $3 million, and I firmly believe the district will continue to find cost savings to maintain a balanced budget.
WLLC: On accountability and transparency: Would you support a public-facing live budget dashboard and independent audit committee? Susan: Yes to both. We are currently establishing the External Audit Committee, and I would support a public-facing live budget dashboard.
WLLC: Automation and AI are rapidly changing the local job market. How should our schools prepare students for a technology-driven future? Susan: We must stay abreast of current research and trends in technology and always look toward the future.
WLLC: What are your goals and vision as a community leader? Susan: My vision is to focus on shared values, sustainability, and a high quality of life.
WLLC: What is something most people don’t know about you? Susan: I was on the first women’s tennis team at East Tennessee State University.
WLLC: What is your most memorable experience serving on the Board? Susan: Opening Board meetings with student performances. The gifts and talents our students possess are amazing and a joy to watch.
WLLC: What do you love most about the community? Susan: The focus on the arts and the many parks and recreational facilities.
WLLC: What are your favorite things to do in your neighborhood? Susan: Walking around and enjoying the historic architecture and shopping at Thruway Shopping Center.
WLLC: Where are your favorite local places? Susan: Reynolda Village and Graylyn Estate for nature walks, shopping, and dining.
WLLC: Why is it important to shop local? Susan: It supports the local economy by keeping money within the community, fosters job creation, and boosts tax revenue for public services.
WLLC: What do you most want to see improve in WSFCS? Susan: My dream is to see all students reading at a proficient level so they are ready to succeed in life. Education is our most powerful weapon.
For Susan Miller, public education is both a professional calling and a community commitment. From teaching thousands of local students to serving on the Board of Education, she says her focus remains on literacy, fiscal responsibility, and supporting teachers and families. As WSFCS moves forward, Miller believes strong schools are essential to keeping Winston-Salem a place where families want to live, work, and grow.
You can connect with Susan on her website at https://electsusanmiller.weebly.com/
and LinkedIn |