Action4Equity stands with our community today facing a pivotal moment in our ongoing struggle for educational equity in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. The situation at Brunson Elementary is not just a single instance of delayed educational investment but a reflection of a deeper, systemic issue that has long plagued our community. Similar to our enduring fight for Ashley Academy, the Brunson project is a testament to the recurring challenges faced by schools serving our Black children and students of color.
The struggle for the new Brunson Elementary School is not just about a building; it’s a fight for justice, equity, and the future of our children. This project, a promise made to our community in the 2016 bond, is a symbol of our collective commitment to breaking down the systemic barriers that have long hindered the progress and well-being of Black students and students of color in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County.
The current challenges faced by Brunson Elementary echo a familiar narrative of deferred action and overlooked needs in communities of color. This is not merely a delay in construction; it is a denial of the rights and dignity of the students and families who were promised a safe, modern, and conducive learning environment.
It is our collective responsibility to ensure that promises made are promises kept. The commitment to Brunson Elementary, voted for by our community in the 2016 bond, is not just a line item in a budget; it symbolizes our values and priorities as a local community . We call upon each of you to join us in holding our county commissioners accountable, and to demand they uphold their commitment to the educators, families, and students of Brunson Elementary.
Our actions today will define the educational landscape of tomorrow. Together it is our obligation to ensure that our schools are not just buildings, but places of hope and opportunity for every child in our community.
Call to Action
- Attend the County Commissioner Meeting:
- Date & Time: Thursday, 12/21, at 2 pm.
- Find an equitable, timely solution, addressing the current delays and prioritizing the project fairly.
- Email the County Commissioners:
Email addresses:
- mcdanitd@forsyth.cc
- woodbuml@forsyth.cc
- martindl@forsyth.cc
- whisengd@forsyth.cc
- bessed@forsyth.cc
- linvilrv@forsyth.cc
- plylerdr@forsyth.cc
Background Information:
- Brunson Elementary is essential for downtown neighborhood students.
- Efforts to build a new school have been ongoing for over 20 years.
- The current school is in poor condition, located in a floodplain, and has been neglected in anticipation of the new building.
- The project faced delays and budget increases due to administrative decisions and post-Covid construction costs.
- The school serves a less-advantaged population, including many unhoused students.
- The selected site for the new Brunson Elementary, formerly a Thomasville Furniture manufacturing plant, poses environmental challenges. Addressing potential brownfield issues is crucial to ensure the site is safe and conducive for a school, reflecting a commitment to environmental sustainability and the well-being of the school community.
