2025 PRE-K TO 12 PUBLIC EDUCATION REPORT
A comprehensive, by-the-numbers look at the status of Pre-K to 12 education in Guilford County.
OUR KIDS, OUR SCHOOLS, OUR FUTURE
Guilford County's future begins with our youngest learners. When reading Action Greensboro's 2025 Pre-K to 12 Public Education Report, we encourage you to consider the educational challenges that will shape our community for generations.
Guilford County is home to 31,555 children (infants to age five). This is a pivotal stage for brain development. To support their growth and wellbeing, a variety of resources and programs are available to families throughout the county.
With 120 schools serving more than 66,000 students, Guilford County Schools (GCS) provides the foundation for tomorrow's workforce and community leaders.
While we celebrate innovative programs and rising graduation rates, we must be aware of these facts:
Too many families struggle to find affordable, licensed childcare.
Teacher attrition has risen to 18.3%, the highest increase among peer districts.
Financial constraints threaten essential student support services as pandemic-era federal funding expires.
Overall GCS enrollment has declined 7.41% over the past decade. This report serves as an assessment and a roadmap for strengthening education in Guilford County. The solutions won't come from schools alone — they require collaboration from businesses, educators, elected officials, and residents like you.
FOUR KEY CHALLENGES FOR OUR FUTURE
1. Expanding Access and Affordability of Early Childhood Education
In Guilford County, only 30.9% of young children attend licensed childcare, though nearly 70% have working parents. Childcare costs exceed 20% of median household income, making it unaffordable for many families. Despite available funds, almost 500 children remain on subsidy waitlists. Meanwhile, early childhood educators earn $13.50 an hour, forcing nearly half to rely on public assistance.
2. Addressing Enrollment and Funding Challenges
GCS has experienced a 7.41% enrollment decline over the past decade a significant portion of county education funding goes toward debt service for capital projects. This limits funds for teacher pay and classroom resources. We must explore new revenue sources, like a dedicated education sales tax, while strengthening public school offerings to attract and retain families.
3. Improving Teacher Retention and Recruitment
GCS teacher attrition has risen to 18.3% in 2022–23 — the highest increase among peer districts. Despite local salary supplements, pay stagnation and regional disparities make retaining experienced educators difficult. We need to prioritize competitive compensation, develop retention strategies, and create new pathways into education careers.
4. Sustaining Student Support Services
Essential food security, mental health, telehealth, and academic recovery programs are threatened by expiring federal funds. High-dosage tutoring programs are already being scaled back despite proven effectiveness. Without dedicated resources, GCS risks losing services that bridge opportunity gaps and support student well-being.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Guilford County faces significant challenges in early childhood education, with high costs and limited access to licensed childcare programs despite substantial investment. As the foundation for kindergarten readiness, early childhood education is critical, yet affordability and availability remain major hurdles for many families in the county.
FOUNDATIONS OF LEARNING
The gap between need and access is stark, with childcare costs consuming over 20% of the median household income for many families, while nearly 500 children remain on a childcare subsidy waitlist as of September 2024.
Despite $32.4 million spent on local childcare subsidies in 2024, the system continues to face mounting pressures, such as:
17,166 children under age six live in families earning below 200% of the federal poverty level.
Guilford County has the state's highest childcare cost-to-income ratio.
Early childhood educators earn a median wage of just $13.50 per hour (significantly below neighboring counties).
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION IN GUILFORD COUNTY
Guilford County faces big challenges in early childhood education, serving a population of 31,550 children from birth through age five, not yet in school.
Financial constraints significantly impact access to early childhood education. For example, 17,166 children under age six live in families earning below 200% of the federal poverty level. To support
affordability, 2,330 children receive childcare subsidy assistance each month.
The NC Pre-K program, designed to provide high-quality early education, serves 2,166 children in Guilford County. While this initiative supports school readiness, the demand for affordable, high-quality early childhood education continues to exceed available resources.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ENROLLMENT
Recent data shows a concerning decline in early childhood education enrollment.
As of 2024, only 30.9% of children ages 0–5 are enrolled in licensed childcare, representing a 9.1% decrease from 2019:
Infants (<1 year): Lowest enrollment rates at 10.7%
Toddlers (1–2 years): Gradual increase by age to 22.1%–31%
Preschoolers and Pre-K (3–5 years): Highest enrollment at 31.9%–52%
Source: NC Division of
and
Guilford County
Report
DIVERSITY AND DEMOGRAPHICS OF YOUNG CHILDREN
2024 POPULATION ESTIMATES BY RACE
The county's young population (ages 0–5) reflects significant racial diversity, with:
42.4% WHITE
41.0% BLACK OR AFRICAN AMERICAN
20.1% HISPANIC OR LATINO
6.1% ASIAN
10.0% OTHER
Source: NC Office of State Budget and Management, Guilford County Partnership for Children 2024 Community Needs Assessment Report
POVERTY, SUBSIDIES, AND YOUNG CHILDREN
Childcare costs remain a significant barrier for many families in Guilford County:
Average annual cost for a four-star center care for a two-year-old: $12,193 (20.8% of median household income)
Family Child Care Home cost for a four-year-old: $9,515 (16.2% of median household income)
The county has implemented various support mechanisms:
$30.4 million spent on childcare subsidies in 2024 (serving about 3,600 children each month; approximately 500 children are currently on the waitlist)
$2 million was allocated to the subsidy program by the Guilford County Partnership for Children
$13.87 million spent for the NC Pre-K program (providing 2,166 slots for eligible four-year-olds at no cost to families)
ESTIMATED NUMBERS OF CHILDREN NEEDING SUBSIDIZED CARE, 2024
POVERTY, SUBSIDIES, AND YOUNG CHILDREN (CONTINUED)
While nearly 70% of young children have working parents, only 30.9% find places in licensed childcare programs. These licensed centers serve as vital community resources, offering not just quality care but essential services like meals and subsidized options for lowerincome families.
The geography of poverty and childcare in the county tells an important story. Central Greensboro and High Point, areas with higher concentrations of poverty, host more childcare facilities — a purposeful response to community needs. Yet despite this strategic placement, significant gaps remain. A quarter of the county's young children live in families below the federal poverty level.
Programs like NC Pre-K and Head Start have stepped in to bridge these gaps, offering free preschool for four-year-olds and early education opportunities for low-income families. Even with subsidies and assistance programs, the demand for quality childcare continues to outpace availability.
The solution requires expanding access to licensed facilities and increasing program funding — essential steps to ensure working parents can access the childcare their families need.
CHILDCARE COSTS
AVERAGE ANNUAL FULL-TIME CHILDCARE COST FOR A TWO-YEAR-OLD IN FOUR-STAR CARE AND PERCENTAGE OF MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME Source: U.S. Census, NC Office of
Guilford County has the state's highest childcare cost-to-income ratio.
Recognizing this burden, Guilford County invested $32.4 million in childcare subsidies during 2024, helping about 3,600 children monthly. Yet the system shows both unmet needs and unused resources.
As of September 2024, 500 children remain on childcare subsidy waitlists, and $5.3 million of the
county's $35.8 million allocation went unused. For 2025, the county has earmarked $33.1 million for subsidies, though this may increase. Even families receiving subsidies must contribute 10% of their income toward care. The impact is even more dramatic for those just above the subsidy threshold — a single mother in this situation might spend nearly one-third of her income on childcare alone.
NUMBER OF CHILDREN AGES 0–5 BY CENSUS TRACT IN GUILFORD COUNTY WITH CHILDCARE FACILITIES BY STAR LEVEL
Population of Children Under 5
0.0–347.8 347.8–695.5 695.5–1,043.3 1,043.3–1,391.0
Childcare Facilities
4–5 Star: Center
4–5 Star: Family/Home
1–3 Star or Temp: Center
1–3 Star or Temp: Family/Home
Religious-Affiliated Childcare Centers (Exempt Star Rating)
Source: North Carolina Partnership for Children
The above map shows that areas in Guilford County with high child populations often lack enough childcare facilities, especially high-quality ones. While Greensboro and High Point have more options, rural and high-demand areas face shortages, with some relying on lower-rated providers. This highlights a need for more quality childcare access across the county.
NC PRE-K
The NC Pre-K program is a cornerstone of early education in Guilford County, operating 145 classrooms across multiple settings.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
2,166 available placements for 2024–25
75 classrooms in GCS
2,838 qualifying applications submitted for 2024–25
26 classrooms in Head Start
1,025 applications received for 2025–26 school year*
44 classrooms in private early care and education facilities
Demonstrated improvements in mathematics 2024 SCHOOL YEAR
29.2% 76.2% START END
*Within the first month of enrollment
Source: Guilford County Partnership for Children NC Pre-K Program, NC Department of Public Instruction, NC Infant-Toddler Program Children's Developmental Services Agency
1.7
SCHOOL READINESS
Multiple factors influence children's preparedness for school in Guilford County.
ACCESS TO SUPPORT SERVICES
45% of families indicated they have experienced waitlists for family support services.
FOOD INSECURITY
23.3% of children face food insecurity.
CHILD SAFETY
5.4% of children experienced an investigative report of abuse or neglect.
ECONOMIC STABILITY
>30% of income is spent on housing by many families.
Source: Guilford County Partnership for Children 2024 Community Needs Assessment Report, North Carolina Partnership for Children, Feeding America, NC Housing Coalition
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION WORKFORCE
The early childhood education workforce faces significant challenges in Guilford County:
$13.50 is the median hourly wage for early childhood educators
$19.23 is the median hourly wage for childcare facility administrators
49% of early childhood educators rely on public assistance
10% lack health insurance coverage at the workplace
50% of early childhood educators are between 40 to 60 years old
These financial strains not only impact educators' well-being but also contribute to high turnover rates, undermining the stability and quality of early childhood programs.
HOURLY WAGES AND MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS, 2023
OVERVIEW OF GUILFORD COUNTY SCHOOLS
GCS is the third-largest district in North Carolina, serving nearly 67,000 diverse students across 120 schools with an annual budget of about $844 million and a workforce of roughly 9,156 employees. The district is celebrated for its educational excellence, with a majority non-White student body that speaks over 120 languages and a team that includes 278 National Board Certified Teachers. However, GCS faces challenges such as declining enrollment, significant economic hardship — with 66.3% of students economically disadvantaged — and complex operational issues.
A CLOSER LOOK
We created this report to give you a behind-the-scenes look at GCS, the third-largest school district in North Carolina and one of the largest among more than 14,000 districts in the U.S. Serving nearly 67,000 Pre-K through 12th-grade students across 120 schools, GCS is recognized both statewide and nationally for its excellence in education.
GCS is one of the largest employers in Guilford County, with approximately 9,200 employees working across the school system" removing 120 schools and 345 total facilities. With an annual budget of approximately $844 million, the district remains committed to providing high-quality education and opportunities for all students.
GCS students reflect the rich diversity of the community, with 73% identifying as non-White. However, as you’ll learn in this report, many students face significant economic challenges.
For example, in 2023, 22% of children under 18 in Guilford County were living below the federal poverty level, and 2,730 were designated “in transition” or unhoused. For context, the federal poverty threshold in 2023 was $24,526 for a family of two adults and one child. Within GCS, 66.3% of students are classified as economically disadvantaged.
ENROLLMENT
While public schools continue to serve the majority of students in the county, let's explore an overview of students and staff.
2023–24 SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
74.7%
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT, 2023–24
Source: Guilford County Schools
STUDENT DEMOGRAPHICS
GCS reflects the racial and cultural diversity of the broader community, with a student population that is majority non-White. In addition to its racial diversity, GCS is home to a linguistically diverse student body, with more than 120 languages and dialects spoken across the district.
GUILFORD COUNTY SCHOOLS ENROLLMENT BY RACE, 2023–24*
*Based on 20-day count
Source: Guilford County Schools
TOP 5 LANGUAGES IN GCS OTHER THAN ENGLISH
STAFFING
GCS has a teacher-student ratio of 13.7. GCS is also home to 278 National Board Certified Teachers, demonstrating a strong commitment to high-quality instruction. This dedicated team ensures that GCS remains focused on providing students with a strong educational foundation.
9,156 Current GCS Employees, 2024-25
4,850
Classroom Teachers
278 National Board Certified Teachers
2,911
Classified School Support
Bus Drivers, School Nutrition, Teacher Assistants, Technology Services, Maintenance, Office Support
1,047
Licensed School Support Counselors, Social Workers, Media Specialists, Psychologists, Instructional Coaches
268
School Administrators Principals & Assistant Principals
80 District Administrators Chiefs, Executive Directors, Directors
Source: Guilford County Schools
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
Public education in North Carolina is funded through a layered and often complicated partnership between federal, state, and county governments. This shared responsibility creates a distinctive framework that shapes how both traditional public schools and charter schools are supported — especially in counties like Guilford, where strong local investment is needed to supplement state and federal contributions. Understanding how these funding sources interact is essential to making sense of how resources are allocated, how priorities are set, and how financial decisions impact the day-to-day experiences of students and educators alike.
K-12 EDUCATION FUNDING IN NORTH CAROLINA
North Carolina takes a unique approach to funding public education, with responsibilities divided between federal, state, and county governments. This system impacts both traditional public schools and charter schools in Greensboro, creating a complex but structured funding framework.
FEDERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Federal funding plays a supplemental role in North Carolina’s school finance system, providing targeted support for specific programs and student populations rather than serving as a primary funding source. In the 2022–23 school year, federal funds accounted for 17% of total public school spending statewide.
Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund: Temporary COVID-19 relief funding that helped schools address pandemic-related challenges, such as learning loss and technology needs.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Grants: Supports workforce development programs and vocational training.
Key Areas of Federal Funding in NC Schools:
Title I Funding: Supports schools with high percentages of low-income students to improve academic achievement.
In GCS, federal funds help bridge gaps in funding for economically disadvantaged students, provide resources for special education, and ensure access to critical programs like school meals and careerreadiness initiatives. However, because federal dollars are often restricted to specific uses, they do not replace the need for strong state and local funding to cover core instructional and operational costs.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Funds: Provides resources for students with disabilities, including specialized instruction, support services, and accessibility improvements.
STATE RESPONSIBILITIES
Child Nutrition Programs: USDA funds free and reduced-price meal programs to support student nutrition.
North Carolina holds primary responsibility for funding school operations, particularly instructional expenses. This encompasses core educational programs defined in the standard course of study, basic operational costs, and primary funding for teacher and staff salaries. The state’s commitment ensures a foundation of educational resources across all public schools.
GUILFORD COUNTY’S ROLE IN FUNDING EDUCATION
EDUCATION IS THE LARGEST PERCENTAGE OF GUILFORD COUNTY’S BUDGET
North Carolina counties, including Guilford County, appropriate a substantial portion of their budget to support public education. Although public education is primarily a responsibility of the state and most funding is provided by the state directly to GCS (including charter schools), all counties are required to fund certain operating and capital expenses for local public schools.
For public school systems, the General Statutes require that the following categories be provided for mainly from local county funds (generally property or sales tax):
School facilities, furniture, and apparatus
School facilities and furniture
Library, science, and classroom equipment
Water supply and sanitary facilities
School maintenance and repairs
Instructional supplies and reference books
School property insurance
Fire inspections
Counties may provide additional funds,
within the financial resources and consistent with the fiscal policies of the board of county commissioners, to support the educational goals and policies of the state and the local board of education. Once appropriated by the County Board of Commissioners, the Guilford County Board of Education chooses how these funds are prioritized, including how much to allocate to its personnel, capital needs, and other expenses.
Interestingly, while the county manages the debt for school construction, the facilities themselves are owned by the school board.
Education-related spending, including debt payments, makes up about 47% of the General Fund expenditures, totaling over $250 million in annual operating support. Since fiscal year 2021, the County Board of Commissioners has increased local current expense funding for GCS by more than $60 million.
The county committed $50 million at an annual 2% growth, which has grown to $52 million, to service $2 billion in debt supporting voter-approved school capital construction.
Investment in public education has remained one of the County Board of Commissioners' highest priorities over the last five fiscal years, resulting in a cumulative increase of $140 million.
FUNDING OF CHARTER SCHOOLS IN NORTH CAROLINA
HOW CHARTER SCHOOLS ARE FUNDED IN NORTH CAROLINA
Charter schools in North Carolina are publicly funded schools that operate independently from local school districts. They receive funding from state and local sources, much like traditional public schools.
Under North Carolina General Statute, charter schools receive funding equal to the perstudent allocation from the local school district in which they are located. This means that as more students enroll in charter schools, a portion of the funding that would have gone to the traditional public school system is redirected to those charter schools.
In 2024, the state allocated $1 billion to North Carolina’s 211 charter schools, illustrating the significant role charter schools play in public education funding.
FOUR REVENUE SOURCES FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION
Public education in North Carolina is funded through four major revenue sources:
General Fund Appropriations: The primary source of state funding for public schools.
Fines and Forfeitures: Revenue collected from penalties and legal fines.
Sales Tax Refunds: Funds generated from tax rebates.
Lottery Receipts: Proceeds from the state lottery designated for education.
Charter schools benefit from all these funding streams, as they receive allocations similar to traditional public schools.
THE FUNDING PROCESS
State Funding:
Charter schools receive an initial allotment of 34% of their state funding after the General Assembly adjourns.
Another 32% is distributed before the end of February.
Schools with three years of good financial standing gain access to 100% of their state funding.
Local Funding:
Charter schools receive a perstudent share of the local school district’s budget within 30 days of a student's enrollment.
Additional transfers may occur if local school districts receive increased funding later in the year.
HOW CHARTER SCHOOL FUNDING IMPACTS GUILFORD COUNTY SCHOOLS
As charter school enrollment increases, the amount of funding redirected from GCS also rises.
Between the 2018–19 and 2022–23 school years, state and local funding for charter schools in Guilford County grew by over $36 million.
GUILFORD COUNTY CHARTER SCHOOL STATE AND LOCAL FUNDS
$100M
$75M
$50M
$25M
$0.00
TWO CHALLENGES FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
1)
Funding Distribution Timing
Charter schools receive funding based on earlyyear enrollment numbers. However, if a student transfers back to a traditional public school later in the year, the funding does not necessarily follow them. This means GCS must educate those students without receiving financial support.
2) Per-Pupil Allotment and Student Needs
North Carolina’s funding formula allocates money per student but does not fully account for differences in student needs.
Traditional public schools tend to serve a higher percentage of students who require additional resources, such as:
– English as a Second Language (ESL) learners
– Students with disabilities requiring Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
– Students needing free or reduced-price lunch and other support services
Charter schools may not enroll as many high-need students, meaning they often have fewer financial obligations related to special education and support services.
NUANCES OF CHARTER SCHOOL FUNDING
Charter schools benefit from predictable budgets since they receive a set per-pupil amount. However, traditional public schools must manage fluctuating enrollment and accommodate students who return from charter schools mid-year — often without funding.
While charter schools provide families with more educational alternatives, the way funding is allocated can create financial challenges for public schools, particularly when accommodating students with greater educational needs. Understanding these dynamics is essential for making informed decisions about the future of public education in Guilford County.
GUILFORD COUNTY’S INVESTMENT IN SCHOOLS
The FY25 budget allocates $431,639,361 between the General Fund, Capital Outlay, and Debt Service Fund for support of GCS and local charter schools (included in the GCS allocation), including debt service on voter-approved bonds for school and college facilities. This amount includes
COUNTY FUNDING OF GCS
$386.8 million in net county funds, which generally refer to property tax and sales tax.
Despite having a lower tax base and higher poverty levels than nearby counties, Guilford County prioritizes education funding.
Guilford County faces significant revenue limitations and competing community needs because it:
Ranks 45th out of 100 North Carolina counties in taxable property per capita.
Has a higher-than-average Medicaid eligibility rate (52nd out of 100 counties).
Source: Guilford County Budget Office
Yet the Public School Forum of North Carolina ranks Guilford County ninth statewide in allocated education funding, relative to its ability to pay. This commitment reflects a choice to maximize educational investment, despite having fewer available resources than wealthier counties in North Carolina.
$2 BILLION INVESTMENT IN SCHOOL CAPITAL
Starting in 2021, the Board of Commissioners began intentional conversations on addressing deferred capital maintenance needs for countymandated functions, including public schools.
Through this work, the Board of Education and Board of Commissioners developed the following principles:
1. Address Guilford County Public Schools and County's current and future capital needs and deferred major maintenance in a timely manner to provide adequate public facilities and services.
2. Protect the county's ability to provide and enhance other services for our residents.
3. Design a stable funding model that fits existing revenue sources as much as possible.
4. Reduce overall cost of infrastructure for our residents by incorporating a more fiscally conservative “pay-as-You-go” model for construction, renovation, and maintenance.
5. Limit change in property tax rate to provide predictability and stability for our residents and businesses.
The charts below show how this developed model will support the current debt service (blue bars) and future debt service (green bars) by setting aside an annual $50 million allocation, in addition to existing property tax, sales tax, and other revenue sources supporting school debt repayment. The chart on the right shows the cumulative buildup, paydown, and future reserves that will accumulate to support future school capital needs.
Source: Guilford County Budget Office
SALES TAX AND USE TAX RATES
Roughly half of North Carolina counties have been authorized and voted to increase their sales tax, with each county able to designate a portion for specific uses such as education or transit. While many counties have opted to implement this additional revenue stream, Guilford County voters have consistently
chosen not to approve a sales tax increase in multiple elections. As a result, Guilford County faces limitations in funding, which impacts its ability to enhance services and increase funding for education, and infrastructure. This also places a greater reliance on property tax revenue to meet the county’s needs, shifting the financial burden onto homeowners and businesses.
SALES AND USE TAX RATES, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2024
Source: NC Association of County Commissioners
GUILFORD COUNTY SCHOOLS FINANCES
GCS operates under a complex financial system that combines state, federal, and local funding sources to support student learning, infrastructure, and operational needs.
For the 2023–24 academic year, GCS allocated $14,700 per student, placing it in the middle of per-pupil spending among comparable North Carolina districts. Funding has steadily increased over the past five years, with county appropriations rising from $207.4 million in 2019-20 to $260.2 million in 2023–24, and state revenue growing from $457.5
million to $511.3 million in the same period. However, fluctuating federal grants, declining enrollment, and shifting local revenues pose financial challenges.
The district’s latest budget reflects a significant expansion, growing by 56.97% to $1.62 billion, largely driven by capital improvement projects, federal grants, and increased investments in teachers and student services.
As GCS navigates these financial shifts, maintaining stability and ensuring resources for student success remain key priorities.
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES, 2024–25
GUILFORD COUNTY SCHOOLS REVENUES
$484,617,890 State Public School Fund
$843,912,361
Total
$277,142,063 Local Current Expense Fund (Guilford County)
$82,152,408 Federal Grant Fund
GUILFORD COUNTY SCHOOLS EXPENDITURES
$675,802,655 Salaries and Benefits
$78,360,167 Purchased Services
$843,912,361
Total
$47,235,796 Supplies and Materials
$2,548,043 Equipment
$39,965,700 Transfer/Charter Schools
Source: Guilford County Schools
PER-PUPIL EXPENDITURES, 2023–24
Source: NC Department of Public Instruction
FUNDING PER PUPIL
GCS receives a total of $14,700 per student from local, state and federal sources, ranking second highest among five peer districts but trailing Durham County Schools, which leads at $16,054 per student. While state funding is fairly consistent across all districts, differences in federal and local contributions create notable funding gaps.
GCS receives the highest federal funding per student ($3,134), which is largely due to a higher percentage of students from low-income households who qualify for additional federal support. However, local funding in GCS is significantly lower than in Durham, where local investment plays a major role in overall school funding. These differences highlight how federal aid helps support student needs in Guilford County, but local investment
remains a critical factor in determining overall funding levels. Understanding these factors can help frame discussions around education funding priorities in our community.
MAJOR REVENUE SOURCES FOR GUILFORD COUNTY SCHOOLS
Guilford County’s education revenue system is a complex blend of local, state, and federal funding, each facing unique challenges in meeting the growing needs of students. The Local Current Expense Fund, primarily supported by Guilford County appropriations, has steadily increased from $207.4M in 2019–20 to $260.2M in 2023–24. Similarly, while the North Carolina Public School Fund has grown from $441.1 million to $490.9 million over the same period, funding remains closely tied to student enrollment, which has seen a decline since 2018–19. The Federal Grants Fund experienced a significant boost during the
pandemic, peaking at $169.6 million in 2021–22 and beginning to reduce in 2022–23 $130.2 million in 2022–23, highlighting the temporary nature of these funds. Additionally, the Capital Outlay Fund for school construction and maintenance has seen fluctuations, with notable increases in 2022–23 and 2023–24, but remains inconsistent.
As GCS faces declining enrollment, inflationary pressures, and shifting federal support, maintaining financial stability and ensuring adequate resources for students and infrastructure remain critical challenges.
FIVE-YEAR FUNDING TRENDS: GUILFORD COUNTY
Guilford County Appropriation: Showed consistent growth, rising from $207.4M in 2019–20 to $260.2M in 2023–24.
State Revenue: Increased steadily from $457.5M in 2019–20 to $511.3M in 2023–24.
Federal Grants: Experienced significant fluctuations, particularly a major spike in 2021–22 reaching $169.6M, likely due to pandemicrelated federal funding.
GUILFORD COUNTY SCHOOLS FIVE-YEAR FUNDING TRENDS
Source: Guilford County Schools
GCS EXPENSES BY CATEGORY
For the 2024–25 school year, GCS has adopted an operating budget of $843,912,360. This money goes toward supporting student success, school operations and community engagement. Here’s a quick overview of how it’s distributed:
INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES
$632.2 M (74.91%)
Ensures students receive high-quality education, personalized support and enrichment opportunities.
NON-PROGRAM CHARGES
$44.9 M (5.32%)
Covers intergovernmental payments, debt services and financial reserves.
SYSTEM-WIDE SUPPORT SERVICES
$166.7 M (19.76%)
Funds the vital operations and infrastructure that keep schools safe, staffed and running smoothly.
ANCILLARY SERVICES
$119,000 (0.01%)
A smaller, but impactful investment that supports nutrition and community programs.
Source: Guilford County Schools
INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES
GCS invests 74.91% of its budget in instructional services, reflecting a strong commitment to student learning and success.
This investment supports:
Core classroom instruction.
Career and technical education.
Specialized programs for students with disabilities, gifted learners, English language learners and those needing extra academic support.
INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES
Early childhood education, extended day and yearround learning and alternative instructional pathways.
School counselors, social workers, speech and language specialists and health professionals.
SYSTEM-WIDE SUPPORT SERVICES
GCS invests 19.76% of its budget in System-Wide Support Services — the essential operations that keep schools running efficiently and safely.
This investment supports:
Curriculum for general education, career and technical education (CTE) and alternative programs.
Technology services, student testing and academic support functions.
Custodial services, maintenance, transportation, energy and utility management and warehouse operations.
SYSTEM-WIDE SUPPORT SERVICES
Planning and construction of school facilities, financial services and HR.
Communication, public relations and marketing.
Safety/security, health support and guidance services.
District Administration and Board of Education.
Source: Guilford County Schools
ANCILLARY SERVICES
GCS invests 0.01% of its budget to Ancillary Services. This is a small, but important category that supports students and families beyond the classroom.
NON-PROGRAM CHARGES
GCS invests 5.32% of its budget in Non-Program Charges. These are financial obligations that support the broader operation and financial health of the district.
This investment supports: Community services This
Source: Guilford County Schools
Source: Guilford County Schools
EDUCATOR WORKFORCE
In GCS, where teacher attrition rose sharply from 2022–23, jumping 10.6% to reach 18.3%, the challenge of maintaining a strong educational workforce has never been more critical. While North Carolina produced 4,141 new licensed teachers in 2023, local universities contribute only a fraction of the needed workforce. These statistics underscore the urgent need to address teacher recruitment, retention, and compensation as fundamental drivers of educational and economic success in Guilford County.
TEACHER PAY AS AN ECONOMIC INCENTIVE
Competitive teacher pay creates a positive economic cycle in Guilford County. Higher salaries attract and retain quality educators, leading to better student outcomes and stronger schools. An enhanced GCS can attract businesses and families, generate more local revenue, support higher teacher pay, and create a self-reinforcing cycle of community growth.
TEACHER SALARY SUPPLEMENTS
North Carolina teachers receive a base state salary plus local supplements that vary by county. These supplements, funded through local taxes and revenue, help counties compete for teaching talent.
Wealthier counties typically offer higher supplements, creating regional pay disparities. Forsyth County exemplifies local initiative, having passed a 2020 sales tax specifically to increase teacher supplements.
LOCAL TEACHER SALARY SUPPLEMENT
Source: NC Department of Public Instruction
TEACHER SALARIES IN GUILFORD COUNTY
Guilford County combines state-based pay with local supplements to create total compensation. For teachers with bachelor's degrees, 10-month salaries range from $48,250 (entry-level) to $63,200 (36+ years). Within GCS, there are 32% of educators who have a master’s degree or higher, and they earn between $52,350 and $68,800.
However, teacher salaries tend to plateau in mid-career, with little increase beyond 15 and 20 years of experience. For example, a teacher with a bachelor’s degree remains at $61,130 from year 15 to year 20. Then, they only see a modest increase after twenty years. This stagnation can impact long-term retention and financial planning for educators in the district.
TEACHER SALARIES IN GUILFORD COUNTY
Source: Guilford County Schools
TEACHER ATTRITION
TEACHER ATTRITION
Source: NC Department of Public Instruction
Guilford County saw the highest attrition increase among peer communities in 2022–23, jumping 7.2% to reach 18.2%.
In North Carolina, here are the top three reasons why teachers leave public schools:
35% CAREER CHANGE
14% FAMILY RESPONSIBILITY/ CHILDCARE
13% FAMILY RELOCATION
Source: NC Department of Public Instruction
EDUCATOR MIGRATION TRENDS
Education professionals show distinct migration patterns across U.S. metro areas.
AVERAGE OUTFLOWS AND INFLOWS OF EDUCATORS TO GUILFORD COUNTY 2018-2023
Major outflows in educators by metropolitan statistical area: Charlotte Raleigh Winston-Salem
Net gains in educators by metropolitan statistical area: Lakeland, FL New York, NY/Newark, NJ Washington, DC
Source: Lightcast/American Community Survey
EDUCATOR PIPELINE
North Carolina's teaching license program completions have fluctuated over the past decade, peaking at 4,364 in 2021 before declining to 4,141 in 2023. Local institutions contribute significantly, with UNC Greensboro at the top (224 graduates).
While Guilford County is home to several educator preparation programs, a significant portion of new teachers come from institutions across North Carolina and the Southeast.
LICENSURE
COMPLETION BY EDUCATION PREPARATION PROGRAM, 2023
ENROLLMENT AND ATTENDANCE TRENDS
GCS faces shifting enrollment patterns, with a 7.41% decline over the past decade as charter, private, and homeschool alternatives expand. Meanwhile, post-pandemic absenteeism remains a big challenge, with chronic absence rates soaring — particularly among Black and Hispanic students — underscoring the need for strategic interventions to boost student engagement and retention.
5.1
ENROLLMENT TRENDS
GCS is the third-largest school district in North Carolina, serving approximately 66,000 students. As one of the state’s major school districts — though smaller than Wake County and Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
However, enrollment numbers tell only part of the story. The district faces complex challenges including budget allocation variations, demographic shifts requiring specialized resources, and aging infrastructure needs. These factors create a multifaceted landscape where student count alone doesn't capture the full scope of educational demands and resource requirements.
2023–24 ENROLLMENT BY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Source: NC Department of Public Instruction
10-YEAR ENROLLMENT CHANGE
Like the rest of the nation, GCS has experienced enrollment shifts. The past decade has witnessed significant shifts in Guilford County's educational landscape. GCS experienced a 7.41% enrollment decline, dropping from 72,191 students in 2014–15 to 66,844 in 2023–24.
Meanwhile, alternative education options have grown substantially:
Charter Schools increased 134% to 10,816 students.
Homeschooling increased 28% to 4,999 students. Private schools grew 12% to 7,156 students.
This redistribution of students has created notable financial implications for GCS, as funding follows students to charter schools.
10-YEAR ENROLLMENT CHANGE, 2014–24
Source: NC Department of Administration, Guilford County Schools
10-YEAR CHARTER SCHOOL ENROLLMENT CHANGE BY COUNTY, 2014-24
Source: NC Department of Public Instruction
CHARTER AND PRIVATE SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
Contrary to common perceptions, charter school enrollment in Guilford County closely mirrors GCS diversity. The data shows comparable representation: 43.3% Black students in charter schools versus 42.01% in GCS, 30.6% versus 26.28% White students, and similar proportions for other demographics. These figures challenge the misconception that charter growth is primarily driven by White families leaving traditional public schools, instead suggesting a broader demographic shift in educational choices.
CHARTER SCHOOL ENROLLMENT BY RACE, 2023–24
White
Black
Multiracial 11.4% Hispanic or Latino 0.4% American Indian 0.1% Pacific Islander
Asian
Source: NC Schools Statistical Profile
NC OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM: IMPACT ON GCS ENROLLMENT
The North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship program was established in 2013 by the North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA) as the state's first private school voucher initiative. Its goal was to provide tuition assistance to income-eligible families choosing to enroll their children in private schools instead of public schools.
The program launched in 2014 with an initial state appropriation of over $10 million, offering scholarships of up to $4,200 per student per year. Over time, the NCGA expanded the program by increasing the family income eligibility threshold and the maximum scholarship amount.
By the 2022–23 school year, funding for the program grew to nearly $95 million. Each year, appropriations have increased, often exceeding the amount ultimately spent on scholarships.
The North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship program assists families in covering tuition and mandatory fees at registered private schools. Eligible applicants include North Carolina students entering kindergarten through 12th grade. Scholarship amounts range from approximately $3,000 to $7,000, depending on household income.
Did You Know?
Beginning with the 2024–25 school year, all students who live in North Carolina may be eligible for an Opportunity Scholarship award (regardless of income).
$250 million was added to the Opportunity Scholarship Grant Reserve in the North Carolina state budget for the 2024–25 biennium.
2,056 students now receive $7 million in scholarships in Guilford County.
65% of scholarship recipients were White in the 2024–25 school year.
In 10 years, funding for Opportunity Scholarships has increased by 39.03%.
STUDENT ATTENDANCE AND ABSENTEEISM
ATTENDANCE — PERCENT OF DAYS ATTENDED BY STUDENT GROUP
SWD: Students with Disabilities ESL: English as a Second Language
The pandemic's impact on attendance continues to reverberate through GCS. Overall attendance rates declined from 93.4% pre-pandemic to 90.6% in 2023–24, with chronic absenteeism rising dramatically across all grade levels. A student is considered chronically absent if they have been enrolled in a North Carolina public school for at least 10 school days during the school year and have missed 10% or more of the days they were enrolled.
Source: Guilford County Schools
When students aren’t in school, they aren’t learning. Missing too many days puts them at risk of falling behind, repeating a grade, or even dropping out — leading to long-term economic challenges for both the student and the community. Absenteeism also means lost opportunities for social growth and access to essential services. Research shows that chronically absent students are more likely to struggle academically and disengage from school. Addressing absenteeism is critical to ensuring student success and a stronger community.
Elementary schools absenteesism more than triple from 7% to 26%, while high schools experienced the most severe impact, jumping from 14% to 35%.
The challenge disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic students, who show chronic absence
rates of 35–36% compared to 23% for White students. These patterns highlight the urgent need for targeted intervention strategies to reengage students and support consistent attendance.
PERCENT CHRONIC ABSENCES BY SCHOOL LEVEL
Source: Guilford County Schools
PERCENT CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM BY BY RACE
Source: Guilford County Schools
ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
Academic achievement in GCS is measured through rigorous data analysis to ensure students receive the support they need to succeed. This chapter examines key performance indicators, including early literacy progress, end-of-grade reading proficiency, and graduation rates, highlighting both successes and areas for improvement.
PATHS TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Academic progress monitoring in GCS serves two purposes: identifying where students need support and guiding them toward appropriate post-graduation paths.
While traditional college remains valuable, GCS recognizes multiple routes to success: associate's degrees, industry certifications, military service, and apprenticeship programs. By using a datadriven approach, educators can help match students with opportunities that match their strengths and goals.
DYNAMIC INDICATORS OF BASIC EARLY LITERACY SKILLS (DIBELS)
DIBELS is a set of procedures and measures for assessing the acquisition of literacy skills.
The 2023–2024 data shows significant improvement in early literacy benchmarks for kindergarten students, while third-rade students demonstrated more modest gains.
KINDERGARTEN VS. THIRD-GRADE READINESS
KINDERGARTEN PROGRESS THIRD-GRADE PROGRESS
Kindergarten students at or above benchmark increased by 40% in GCS and for NC students (33% to 73%).
Overall, kindergarten students in the U.S. showed a 30% increase (38% to 68%).
GCS third graders improved by 3% (57% to 60%).
North Carolina third graders saw a 5% increase (57% to 62%).
Third-grade students in the U.S. improved by 2% (54% to 56%).
These results highlight the strong impact of literacy instruction in kindergarten. While third-grade progress was more moderate, this suggests potential areas for targeted intervention at the upper elementary level.
K AND THIRD-GRADE DIBELS, ALL STUDENT GROUPS, 2023–24
Source: Guilford County Schools
DIBELS: KINDERGARTEN BY RACE
The 2023–24 DIBELS assessment data for kindergarten students shows significant improvements across all racial groups:
Black students: GCS saw a 37% increase (30% to 67%), while North Carolina students improved by 34% (33% to 67%).
Hispanic students: Made the most significant progress, with GCS improving by 45% (18% to 63%) and North Carolina students by 42% (20% to 62%).
White students: Started higher and saw strong gains, with GCS improving by 43% (42% to 85%) and North Carolina students by 45% (36% to 81%).
Source: Guilford County Schools
While all groups showed substantial improvement, achievement gaps persist. Hispanic students showed the largest percent growth in GCS but started with the lowest proficiency levels. White students had the highest end-of-year proficiency (85% in GCS), indicating stronger early literacy skills upon entering kindergarten.
DIBELS: THIRD GRADE BY RACE
Third-grade literacy growth was less dramatic than in kindergarten:
Black and Hispanic students: GCS saw minimal gains (3%) while its North Carolina counterparts made slightly larger improvements.
White students: Continued to outperform other groups in both GCS and North Carolina by 20+%, though their growth was also moderate (5%).
Source: Guilford County Schools
The achievement gap remains evident, particularly for Black and Hispanic students. This emphasizes the need for targeted literacy support beyond early elementary years.
Third-grade reading proficiency is a big milestone, marking the transition from learning to read to reading to learn. Research shows that students struggling with reading by third grade are more likely to face academic challenges, drop out of high school, and experience long-term economic hardships.
Many states even use third-grade literacy rates to predict future incarceration rates. That’s because poor reading skills correlate strongly with higher rates of unemployment and involvement in the criminal justice system.
END OF GRADE READING (EOG) PROFICIENCY
EOG Reading Proficiency measures a student's ability to understand and analyze grade-level texts. GCS's overall proficiency declined during the pandemic, dropping from 55.1% in 2018-19 to 42.4% in 2020-21. Recovery shows steady improvement, reaching 49.6% in 2023-24, though still below pre-pandemic levels.
Proficiency Levels:
52.6% ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
47.8% MIDDLE SCHOOLS
While below the state average of 54.2%, the district's upward trend suggests continued recovery.
GCS continues recovery efforts through high-dosage tutoring and learning hubs. However, sustaining these initiatives remains challenging due to funding constraints, especially with the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) expiring.
47.6% HIGH SCHOOLS
Source: Guilford County Schools
Source: Guilford County Schools
6.3
GRADUATION RATES
GCS demonstrates strong graduation outcomes with a 90.3% average rate over the past decade (2014–2024), exceeding Charlotte (85.7%), Wake (89.3%) and Durham (83.1%).
All demographic groups show positive trends, with particularly strong gains among English Learners, improving from 64.7% in 2014–15 to 83.5% in 2023–24.
GCS’s consistently high graduation rate, above the state average of 86.5%, highlights GCS's commitment to ensuring students complete their K–12 education successfully.
GRADUATION RATES
Source: Guilford County Schools SWD: Students with Disabilities
GRADUATION RATES BY PEER DISTRICTS
Source: Guilford County Schools
POST-SECONDARY READINESS
While a college degree remains valuable, GCS recognizes multiple routes to success: associate's degrees, earning college credits or exposure to college courses, industry certifications, military service, and apprenticeship programs. Educators can use a data-driven approach to identify students with opportunities that match their strengths and goals.
POST-SECONDARY
Percent of students who go on to post-secondary education in first fall after graduation:
Source: National Student Clearinghouse Tracker
GCS continues strengthening its college-bound culture, with post-secondary enrollment showing steady growth. The percentage of graduates heading directly to college has climbed from 57% in 2021 to 61% in 2023, nearly matching the national average of 62%.
GCS continues strengthening its college-bound culture, with post-secondary enrollment showing steady growth. The percentage of graduates heading directly to college has climbed from:
57% in 2021 61% in 2023
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
ACT AND ACT WORKKEYS
BENCHMARKS
The class of 2023–24 tells an important story through its ACT scores, with the district averaging a 17.3 composite score. White students achieved scores in the average range across all subjects (composite 20.6), but Black and Hispanic students scored in the below-average range. Though standardized tests offer one measure of college readiness, they represent just one piece of a student's potential for post-secondary success.
2023-2024 ACT AVERAGE SCORE
Source: Guilford County Schools
The ACT WorkKeys assessment, which measures real-world workplace skills, shows Guilford County adapting to post-pandemic challenges. While the percentage of students
achieving Silver level or higher has decreased from 64.5% in 2018–19 to 58.5% in 2023–24, this trend mirrors statewide patterns.
ACT WORKKEYS ASSESSMENT — SILVER LEVEL OR HIGHER, 2023–24
Source: Guilford County Schools
7.3
CAREER AND COLLEGE PROMISE PROGRAM
The CCP is North Carolina’s dual enrollment program for high school students. This program allows students to enroll in college classes at community colleges and universities through their high school.
From middle school to high school, the program now serves over 24,000 students through 60 different pathways. In particular, the Career and Technical Education pathway has increased over the past three years and pass rates continue to grow with nearly 90% earning a C or better in 2024.
Dual College Enrollment at Two- and Four-Year Colleges:
In 2023–24: GCS students took 10,024 college courses this past school year through the college and career program or an early/middle college.
In 2023–24: 89% of dual-enrolled students earned a C or better in their coursework. This number has trended upward from 88% in 2023–22 and 86% in 2022–21.
In 2023–24: 2,523 students enrolled in social studies courses, making it the highest enrollment of the year. Math was the subject area with the next highest enrollment with 942 students.
DUAL ENROLLMENT TRENDS
Source: Guilford County Schools
Industry-Recognized Credentials
Industry Recognized Credentials, though separate from CCP, validate students' specialized knowledge and skills according to industry standards. These certifications prove a student's capabilities, making them more competitive in the job market and strengthening their preparation for higher education.
Credential earnings have soared by 263% over four years, jumping from 2,966 in 2020–21 to 10,778 in 2023–24. This expansion spans 15 national career clusters, offering students diverse paths to future success.
7.4
TOTAL SCHOLARSHIPS EARNED BY GCS STUDENTS
$164,461,356 2021–22
$180,878,276 2022–23
$183,047,438 2023–24
Source: Guilford County Schools
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
GCS offers a range of support services to address the diverse needs of students, including free meals, mental health services, and telehealth clinics. These programs aim to improve academic performance, reduce learning disruptions, and promote overall well-being. With a focus on equity and accessibility, GCS ensures that students have the resources to succeed inside and outside the classroom.
FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAM
Research demonstrates a strong correlation between student access to nutritious meals and academic performance. Studies indicate that providing students with healthy meals at school positively impacts attentiveness, classroom engagement, and subsequent academic outcomes, including improved grades, increased attendance, and higher graduation rates.
GCS addresses student food insecurity through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). This program provides free breakfast and lunch
to students at 110 of the district's 120 schools. CEP eligibility is determined by the percentage of students in low-income areas already certified for free meals. The provision of school meals mitigates hunger, reduces associated stigma, and fosters a more equitable learning environment.
Annually, GCS serves over 4.9 million breakfasts and 7 million lunches. While this extensive meal coverage ensures that students are not learning while hungry, it also reflects significant levels of poverty within the district.
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
GCS offers School-Based Mental Health services to improve academic performance, address behavioral issues, and provide equitable access to care for students and staff. The program aims to reduce stigma while increasing support accessibility.
IN SCHOOL YEAR 2023–24, GUILFORD COUNTY PROVIDED:
1,296
STUDENT REFERRALS
1,051
STUDENTS RECEIVING SERVICES
9,000+ SESSIONS
170 STAFF REFFERALS
1,112 STAFF SESSIONS
Source: Guilford County Schools
8.3
TELEHEALTH SERVICES
In partnership with Cone Health and Guilford Education Alliance, school-based telehealth clinics provide virtual healthcare consultations at school. This helps reduce absences and learning disruptions. Medicaid and most insurance plans cover the program. For those without insurance, services are available at no cost.
With parental consent, students have access to a full-time, on-site Certified Medical Assistant who
2023–24 Data Highlights for Schools Where Telehealth Is Offered
Students with parental permission had an improved average attendance rate from 90.9% in 2022–23 to 91.2% in 2023–24.
Students without parental permission experienced no change, maintaining an average attendance rate of 89.1% during the same period.
Students with parental permission had a higher 2023–24 attendance than students without parental permission at all 14 schools offering telehealth.
Students with parental permission improved their math scores by an average of 0.3 points, while students without parental permission saw their math scores decline by 0.4 points in 2023–24.
Nine out of the 14 schools that participated in telehealth had higher reading proficiency on end-of-grade tests for students with parental permission. This was also the case for math proficiency in 10 of the 14 schools.
evaluates their symptoms to determine if a healthcare provider’s attention is needed. If necessary, the child’s parent is connected virtually with a physician for an immediate healthcare consultation. This process allows students to return to class more quickly when appropriate, reducing the need for parents to leave work. This ultimately supports both the child’s education and the parent’s job stability.
2023–24 GCS TELEHEALTH NUMBERS
14
schools had telehealth clinics
42% of families provided consent for services
3,174 student visits to the clinic
1,440
virtual sessions with a doctor
Source: Guilford County Schools
HIGH-DOSAGE TUTORING
GCS's high-dosage tutoring program has delivered impressive results for K-8 students through partnerships with NC Education Corps, shift_ed, local universities, and community professionals. This approach — providing consistent tutoring at least three times weekly with trained tutors — aligns with National Student Support Accelerator research showing gains of four months in elementary literacy and nearly 10 months in high school math.
Schools implementing high-dosage tutoring report better attendance and stronger early literacy skills. Kindergarten and first-grade participants show accelerated literacy development compared to peers.
HIGH DOSAGE TUTORING
In addition, kindergarten through third-grade students tutored by NC Education Corps members outperformed statewide averages in reading gains.
Learning hubs established at 15 high schools in 2021 have further enhanced support, providing extended learning opportunities, Internet access, and college prep assistance. Students attending hubs for 40+ days achieved 95% attendance rates, with notable improvement between the 2022–23 and 2023–24 school years.
Despite this success, the 2024–25 school year has seen the program scaled back to focus only on K-3 grade reading and math because the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds are expiring.
Source: Guilford County Schools
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
GCS continues addressing significant infrastructure and operational challenges while working to create safe, modern learning environments. Voters have demonstrated their support by approving two major bonds: $300 million in 2020 and $1.7 billion in 2022. GCS' investments in facilities, transportation, and safety measures reflect the district's commitment to creating accessible, secure, and supportive learning environments for all students.
OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES
SCHOOL BUILDING WORK ORDERS 2024–25
HOW GCS MAINTENANCE STAFF SALARIES
COMPARE TO MARKET RATE EXPERIENCE
GCS faces challenges with inconsistent funding for essential repairs and maintenance. Critical operational roles, such as HVAC technicians and plumbers, have salaries significantly below market rates.
For example, entry-level HVAC technicians earn nearly $5 per hour less than market rate. Even after 15 years of experience, they earn considerably less than their market counterparts. These wage disparities contribute to ongoing staff shortages, making attracting and retaining skilled professionals difficult.
Source: 2024–25 market values were projected based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
SCHOOL FACILITIES MASTER PLAN
Since 2019, GCS has identified over $2 billion in facility needs, including $800 million in deferred maintenance. While voters approved bonds totaling $2 billion, economic challenges including construction cost increases and supply chain issues have impacted project scope.
As of February 2025, $451 million has been committed — meaning, under contract plus the total spent:
Seven rebuilt schools
Two new schools
Various capital improvements
Current fiscal year allocation is 60 million:
$48 million for deferred capital projects
$10 million for capital maintenance across eight schools
$50 million for critical capital projects in 2025
NEW CONSTRUCTION AND REBUILD PROJECTS, AS OF 4/11/25
DEFERRED CAPITAL PROJECTS
GCS is making substantial progress in upgrading and modernizing school facilities to ensure safe, functional, and engaging learning environments for all students. While many projects are still underway, a number have already utilized significant portions of their allocated funding — a sign of momentum and investment in our schools’ future.
Here’s a look at where the most progress has been made:
Building & Site Program Management:
This initiative has successfully utilized the full $1.3 million budget, helping coordinate and manage infrastructure projects across the district.
Technology Program Management:
All of the $175,000 allocated has been fully invested in enhancing digital infrastructure and systems.
Safe Schools Program Management:
Nearly 85% of this $1 million+ fund has been used to support the effective planning and implementation of safety-related projects.
Fire Alarm System Replacements:
More than one-third of the $1.2 million budget has already been applied toward upgrading systems in six schools.
Audio/Video Learning Aids: About 11% of the $1.8 million budget has already been invested in improving classroom technology.
HVAC Replacements: Over $7.9 million has already been used to enhance air quality and climate control across 10 schools.
Roof Replacements: With over $240,000 spent to date, this project is actively addressing building integrity and protection from weather-related damage.
Safe School Entry Upgrades: More than $480,000 has been spent to date, improving security and controlled access in 28 schools.
Paging/Communication Upgrades: Work is moving forward on five projects, with full use of the $2.2 million budget anticipated.
Door Hardware Modification: All 11 projects are fully funded with $2.5 million available to improve accessibility and safety.
Playground Equipment Installation: Seven schools are ready to benefit from brand-new equipment, with the full $395,000 allocation secured.
As of 4/11/25
Guilford County is tackling deferred capital projects to improve school safety, upgrade technology, and repair essential building systems. The $48 million budget allocates $20 million each for safety upgrades and building repairs, plus $8 million for technology modernization. As of March 2025 there was $14.6 million of the first $48 million remaining for capital replacement projects.
Source: Guilford County Schools, as of 4/11/25
LOOKING FORWARD
FINANCIAL CONTEXT
Despite $2 billion in voter-approved bonds, the district faces over $2 billion in facility needs, including $800 million in deferred maintenance. Rising construction costs, supply chain disruptions, and inflation have challenged project implementation. Of the $451 million committed so far, priorities focus on projects directly impacting student learning and safety.
Guilford County and GCS should explore additional revenue sources to meet long-term facility demands. No student or teacher should work in buildings without adequate heating, air conditioning, or functional plumbing. Continued investment and community support remain essential to provide safe, modern learning environments for all students.
For real-time updates on school improvement and bond dollar usage, scan to learn more:
GCS OPERATES IN A 658-SQUAREMILE AREA WITH THE FOLLOWING TRANSPORTATION PROFILE:
393 BUSES IN OPERATION
77.4 STUDENTS PER BUS (AVERAGE)
18,505.5 MILES COVERED ANNUALLY PER BUS
$83,848.71
COST PER BUS
$910.06 COST PER PUPIL
HOW WEATHER VARIABILITY AFFECTS SCHOOL CLOSURE DECISIONS
$4.53 COST PER MILE
These costs fall mid-range compared to peer districts in North Carolina. To expand transportation access, GCS partners with Greensboro's public transit system, providing free bus rides to students. This program provided more than 50,000 student rides in both 2022 and 2023.
Spanning 658 square miles (one of the largest in our peer counties), Guilford County can experience vastly different weather conditions. This means that while one part of the county might be experiencing heavy snowfall, another area could be relatively clear. This variability in weather, coupled with GCS' extensive transportation network, significantly impacts decisions regarding school closures.
By comparison, Wake County covers an even larger area (857 square miles) and has 538 buses (GCS has 393 buses). Despite managing a larger geographical footprint, each school system faces similar challenges when it comes to weather-related closures.
SCHOOL SAFETY
GCS' COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY MEASURES INCLUDE:
Video Security:
5,950 upgraded cameras providing 12,590 separate views across 110 schools
Cameras added to all active route buses
Communication:
New centralized radio system on Guilford Metro 9-1-1 network for both schools and buses
Entry Security:
Three-buzzer system and security-laminated windows
18 elementary schools undergoing vestibule design and construction
Resource Officers:
17 officers and hree supervisors through a $1.67 million partnership with Greensboro Police Department
Support Services:
Enhanced mental health resources
Anonymous reporting systems
Anti-bullying programs
CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE FUTURE
A thriving education system is the foundation of a strong community. Now is the time for residents, businesses, nonprofits, and local leaders to come together to champion bold solutions that support every student and family in Guilford County. Your voice, your partnership, and your advocacy can help shape a brighter future for generations to come.
COMMUNITY ROADMAP FOR ADVANCING EDUCATION OUTCOMES IN GUILFORD COUNTY
Creating a strong education system requires collaboration across sectors — from business and government to nonprofits and families. The following policy and program recommendations are designed to support systems-level change that improves educational outcomes, promotes equity, and supports working families in Guilford County. These strategies can serve as a guide for advocacy, funding, partnership development, and legislative priorities across the community.
Increase Access to High-Quality, Affordable Childcare:
Support pilot programs like Tri-Share, which shares the cost of childcare between the parent, employer, and state/local government.
Increase reimbursement rates for current and future NC Pre-K slots.
Expand the NC Pre-K program to offer every child the opportunity to attend the high-quality program.
Recruit and Retain Early Childhood Educators:
Increase funding for Child Care WAGE$, a salary supplement program for early childhood educators.
Expand Career and Technical Education programs at GCS to help students explore careers in early childhood education.
Support the expansion of childcare programs/lab schools on local college and university campuses.
Expand access to subsidized childcare and after-school care programs specifically for people who work in the childcare industry.
Strengthen Teacher Retention:
Advocate for Guilford County to be included in the NC Teacher Supplement Assistance Allotment, a state fund that helps high-need districts offer more competitive teacher pay.
Expand Greensboro and High Point’s First-Time Homebuyer Program to assist teachers in purchasing homes.
Expand College and Career Readiness Programs:
Ensure access to a post-secondary degree or professional certificate for every GCS student by expanding Career and Technical Education programs down to sixth grade.
Improve transportation access by expanding Greensboro and High Point transit systems to help more students reach GTCC and participate in the Career and College Promise dual enrollment program.
Explore opportunities to integrate or collaborate on shared physical campuses, uniting community colleges and high schools.
Increase Community Support for Early Childhood Education:
Establish a Guilford County Childcare Task Force to develop a county-wide action plan.
Maintain childcare and early childhood education as a focus on local legislative agendas.
Support tax incentives for childcare owners/ operators, such as the reinstatement of the childcare tax credit.
Implement an early literacy campaign, in partnership with Ready for School, Ready for Life and local libraries, to encourage families to engage in reading activities with young children.
Increase Funding for Guilford County Schools:
Build local voter support for a quarterpercent sales tax dedicated to teacher salary supplements.
Leverage the proceeds from the sale of Guilford County-owned school properties, along with a portion of increased property tax revenue generated by their redevelopment, as an additional funding source to support key priorities within Guilford County Schools.
Strengthen Community Partnerships and Community Engagement:
Secure funding to maintain and expand Learning Hubs in all GCS high schools, ensuring continued access to high-dosage tutoring programs.
In partnership with Cone Health, Guilford Education Alliance, and other key funders, expand telehealth clinics to all elementary schools across Guilford County.
Let’s Take Action Together!
We all have a role to play in shaping a stronger education system, a more supportive environment for working families, and a better future for every child in Guilford County.
Whether you're a parent, neighbor, educator, or local leader, your voice, time, and influence matter. The data is clear — now is the time to act boldly and collaboratively.
NOW IT’S TIME FOR YOU TO ACT HERE’S A CHECKLIST TO GET YOU STARTED
VOTE & ADVOCATE FOR STRONGER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Vote YES on local ballot initiatives that increase funding for public education and teacher pay.
Encourage state leaders to:
Expand access to early childhood education.
Increase funding for Pre-K and after-school care.
Reinstate tax credits that ease financial burdens on families.
Support teacher wage initiatives and supplement programs.
Advocate for family-friendly workplace solutions like costsharing childcare models.
RAISE YOUR VOICE IN LOCAL DECISIONS
Attend and speak at school board, county commission, and budget meetings.
Promote early literacy by hosting reading circles and education-focused events.
Partner with local education groups at community events or forums.
GIVE YOUR TIME OR INFLUENCE
Volunteer in classrooms or after-school programs.
Support education by donating funds or school supplies to local nonprofits that help students and teachers.
Mentor students or speak about career paths in education.
Encourage your employer to support childcare initiatives.
Participate in literacy programs and community learning events.
LEAD WRITERS
Cecelia Thompson
Action Greensboro
Sarah McGuire
Action Greensboro
Jessica Levco Freelance Writer
CONTRIBUTORS
Heather Adams
Guilford County Partnership for Children
Tyler Beck
Guilford County Schools
Toy Beeninga
Guilford County Budget and Management Services
Karen Deal shift_ed
Cassie Dean
Guilford County Partnership for Children
Angie Henry Consultant
Julius Monk
Guilford County Schools
Whitney Oakley
Guilford County Schools
Sonya Stephens
Guilford County Schools
ACTION GREENSBORO ADVISORY GROUP
Karl Anderson
The Frank Family Foundation
Durant Bell Bell Foundation
Brent Christensen Greensboro Chamber of Commerce
Barry Frank The Frank Family Foundation
Erica Hall Shields Phillips Foundation
Ed Kitchen
Joseph M. Bryan Foundation
Bob Klepfer
Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation
Jim Melvin
Joseph M. Bryan Foundation
Mindy Oakley The Edward M. Armfield, Sr. Foundation
Walker Sanders Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro
Susan Shore Schwartz The Cemala Foundation
Susan Shumaker
Cone Health Foundation
PHOTO CREDITS
City of High Point and High Point Market
GLASBEAR Video Production
Guilford County Schools
Paul B Video Production
Photography by Rosal, Lissette Rodriguez
VanderVeen Photography
