Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Donald Martin announced Thursday that he'll retire June 30th. Martin said he'd been mulling the decision over the summer, and credited a supportive board, staff and community as his reason for staying in the position for nearly 19 years.
Martin says he announced his retirement 10 months ahead of the actual date in order to give the board time to hire a new superintendent, and to give that person time for a smooth transition.
Donny Lambeth, Chairman of the Board of Education, said there would be no 'interim' superintendent, because that tends to stop momentum by putting plans on hold. He says the search to replace Martin will begin immediately, and he hopes to name a new superintendent by April 30th.
Martin was named 2011 North Carolina Superintendent of the Year. He began his career as a math and physics teacher in Wilkes County. Before coming to Winston-Salem, Martin served as superintendent at two school systems in Kentucky and in Rowan-Salisbury Schools. He says he plans to spend more time with his family, advise state agencies and possibly teach at the university level.
