Dr. Randy Bridges Appointed Interim Schools Superintendent
The school board voted to appoint Dr. Randy Bridges to lead Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Administration
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The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education has voted 8-1 to appoint Dr. Randy Bridges as the district's interim superintendent. He takes the role following the retirement of former superintendent Dr. Don Phipps.
Why it matters
The appointment follows the resignation and retirement of Dr. Don Phipps, marking a transition in leadership for the local district. Dr. Bridges brings decades of prior experience to the role as the district navigates this change.
Dr. Bridges signed a nine-month contract valued at $210,000 for his interim term. He is the seventh person to lead the district in a superintendent capacity since 2019.
The players
Dr. Randy Bridges
He is a veteran educator and administrator who previously served as a superintendent between 1997 and 2017.
Dr. Don Phipps
He is the former superintendent of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools who recently resigned and retired.
The details
Dr. Bridges, who previously served as a superintendent from 1997 to 2017, was sworn in to his new position to ensure continuity for the school system. His interim tenure officially runs from October 1 through June 30, 2027.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: The board held a vote to appoint Dr. Bridges.
September 29, 2026: Dr. Bridges was sworn in as the interim superintendent.
September 30, 2026: Dr. Don Phipps officially retired from the district.
Culture Shift
This appointment reflects a broader trend of administrative instability within the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County district. The reliance on interim leadership follows a period of frequent turnover that has seen seven superintendents lead the system since 2019.
The appointment provides administrative continuity for local families and students as the district enters a nine-month interim period. Residents can expect the new interim superintendent to oversee daily school operations and district policy through the end of June 2027.
The takeaway
Dr. Bridges brings extensive experience to the district during this interim period of transition. Residents and parents should monitor future board meetings for updates regarding the search for a permanent successor.
Further reading
For more information on school leadership changes, visit Administration.
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