ELECTIONS: Five Democrats, including incumbent ... - Triad City Beat

2026 Primary Candidate List

Chenita Barber Johnson - Ballotpedia

Chenita Barber Johnson lives with her husband and two children in Winston-Salem. She earned a bachelor's degree from Winston-Salem State University.

Chenita is a co-founder of the Coalition for Equity in Public Education. She has also been a substitute teacher, PTA parent liasion, and advertising consultant.

Chenita Barber Johnson's campaign for Forsyth County Board of Education Member, District 1 is her first entry into politics.

Chenita has previously run for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools school board in 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022, but lost each time.

Supports funding for home/school parent coordinators and increasing the number of school counselors.

- Supports funding for home/school parent coordinators and increasing the number of school counselors.

School Facilities & Resources

Opposes school choice, saying it is "detrimental to the entire community" and has "damaged the school system financially."

- Opposes school choice, saying it is "detrimental to the entire community" and has "damaged the school system financially."

Access to Education

Advocates for increased minority representation in teaching and leadership positions.

Advocates for better pay for teachers and administrators.

- Advocates for increased minority representation in teaching and leadership positions.
- Advocates for better pay for teachers and administrators.

Teachers

School Curriculum

Advocates for a safe environment for students.

Advocates for a safe environment in all schools, including for LGBTQ+ students.

- Advocates for a safe environment in all schools, including for LGBTQ+ students.

Student Wellbeing

Chenita Barber Johnson

Chenita Barber Johnson has previously run for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools school board in 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022, but lost each time.

- The Board of Education runs the public school system. They create policies that establish standards, accountability and evaluation of essential operations of the school system.
- The Board of Education member hires a superintendent and can remove them when necessary. The superintendent assists the Board of Education in implementing the board’s policies. 
- The Board of Education is charged with deciding the school budget. This means they decide how to allocate money between different services, such as teacher pay, repairing school facilities, or access to technology.
- Board of Education members are elected every four years. 