Saying the Hard Things On the Record
When it mattered most, Robert Barr spoke up for the people of our community.
- Spoke up as budget gaps grew
- Demanded accountability when funds were moved without board approval
- Raised concerns about financial oversight and internal controls
- Asked tough questions when audit findings revealed serious problems
- Opposed tax increases to cover budgeting failures
See Robert in Action
Robert Barr in the News
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur
Robert Barr’s Exclusive WXII 12 Interview
In an exclusive interview with WXII 12 News, School Board Member Robert Barr addresses the deep financial instability within Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. Barr pulls no punches, discussing the management failures that allowed a $46M deficit to balloon under the current administration's watch. He provides critical insight into the lack of oversight regarding manual budget overrides and explains why he is calling for immediate, top-level accountability—including the termination of leadership—to restore the community's trust. Barr emphasizes that while the district faces painful cuts to staff and programs, the primary goal must be a return to fiscal sanity and a focus on the classroom.
Robert Barr motions to Terminate Superintendent over Budget Concerns
- The motion Board member Robert Barr moved to terminate Superintendent Tricia McManus immediately.
- Barr’s Quote He stated, "The superintendent should get terminated because of where we are financially," arguing she should not be allowed to simply retire.
- The Ruling The Board Chair blocked the motion, ruling it was introduced too late in the meeting.
- The Conflict Other board members (Richard Watts) called the move "political grandstanding" and criticized Barr for not bringing the issue up in a private closed session (Barr did indeed try to bring this up privately).
Motion to Terminate Superintendent Amid $42M Deficit
When it mattered most, Robert Barr spoke up for the people of our community.
- Financial Crisis Discussion of a fluctuating budget deficit, recently estimated at $32 million to $42 million.
- Accountability Demands Board Member Robert Barr called for the termination of Superintendent Tricia McManus, stating she should not be allowed to retire given the district's "devastating" financial mismanagement.