From West Forsyth Graduate to Board Candidate: A Conversation with Adam Corey

Adam Corey is a dedicated community member running for the WSFCS Board of Education (District 2) with a deep-rooted connection to Forsyth County. A graduate of West Forsyth High School, Adam’s journey has taken him from the classrooms of UNC-Chapel Hill to a career that spans teaching, coaching, and pharmacy. Motivated by a growing budget crisis and a commitment to restoring stability and transparency within the school system, he is stepping up to ensure every child has the same opportunity for success that he was given. With four children of his own now entering the system, Adam is passionate about advocating for students, educators, and evidence-based decision-making to build a stronger future for all Forsyth County schools.

 

NOTE: WLLC does not endorse any candidate. We are only providing information to residents, so that they can make informed decisions when voting.

 

WLLC: Choose Your Neighborhood (Lewisville/Clemmons or where you actually live)

Adam: Waterford in Clemmons

 

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

Adam: WSFCS Board of Education (District 2)

 

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.?)

Adam: I lived in Clemmons from second grade through high school. I went off to college and to start my career before returning in 2017.

 

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

Adam: I grew up in Forsyth County, living in Clemmons most of my life. I graduated from West Forsyth in 2001. For college, I went to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for undergrad (BS Biology) and for a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). After a few years of teaching and coaching, I went back to UNC for the Eshleman School of Pharmacy to earn my PharmD.

 

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

Adam: I have been considering the Board of Education since returning to Clemmons, but with four small kids that was not feasible. Now they are a little older, and I just kept watching the budget crisis grow larger and larger with every meeting. Then I watched in horror as we compounded our mistakes with the Reduction in Force plan that targeted the Exceptional Children’s (EC) teachers and Assistant Principals, who had not caused the budget crisis. It appeared to me that in the chaos of the boardroom, we had forgotten the primary mission of any school system - the kids in the classroom. At that point I knew, now is the time to fight for our schools.

 

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

Adam: I wanted to become a leader in this community because of how this school system shaped my life. I grew up in these schools. I taught in these classrooms. I coached on these fields. And now my own children will walk these same hallways. Public education gave me an opportunity for success and I believe in the mission of educating every child, regardless of background, circumstance, or zip code. Every student in Forsyth County deserves the same chance to succeed that I was given. Our district has struggled with instability and shifting leadership. Trust has eroded. Morale has suffered. We need leadership that restores stability, strengthens transparency, and insists on accountability. Leadership that listens first. That brings educators, staff, parents, and the broader community to the table to make thoughtful, evidence based decisions focused on students.

 

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

Adam: I consider myself an Obama Democrat. Whether someone agreed with all of his policies or not, you could see that he genuinely cared about people. He was thoughtful, steady, and comfortable speaking with world leaders or sitting down with everyday families. There was a sense of decency and intentionality in how he approached leadership. What inspired me most was the idea that leadership is not just about winning every policy debate. It is about showing up, doing the work, and letting people see that you are trying to make things better for them. You will not win every argument. You will not get every vote. But people should never question whether you are working on their behalf. That example of steady, people centered leadership is what motivates me to step forward and serve.

 

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

Adam: My first role models were my parents and my grandmother. They taught me integrity, work ethic, and the importance of showing up for your family and your community every single day. Leadership starts with character, and I learned that at home. Outside my family, I have long admired Dean Smith. His Carolina Way philosophy shaped how I think about leadership - Play hard. Play smart. Play together. Playing hard means giving your best effort, never cutting corners, and never giving up until the whistle blows. Playing smart means constantly learning, studying what works, and relying on proven strategies. In healthcare, we call that evidence based practice. We should approach education with the same mindset. Use data. Learn from others. Improve continuously.

 

WLLC: Where are your favorite places to go in the neighborhood?

Adam: I am a big fan of our YMCA. I went there all the time as a kid, and it had some of the best pick-up basketball games you could find. Now, we’re there for swim lessons and sports, which gives me the chance to go for the gym.

 

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

Adam: We have to support our people, the people of our community. They are the ones with the connection to our village and towns. Supporting them is supporting us.

 

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

Adam: I am both saddened and encouraged by the strong emotions surrounding our school system right now. It is painful to see dysfunction and frustration reach this level. But it is also a sign that people care deeply about public education and the opportunities it creates for our children. That energy should not divide us. It should motivate us. Our public schools are worth fighting for. This community believes in education. Families want strong classrooms. Educators want support and stability. Students want safe, engaging environments where they can succeed. My goal is to channel that passion into productive change for all of our students.