Greensboro, N.C. – Guilford County Schools (GCS) is starting the 2022-23 school year with plenty to celebrate. Acting Superintendent Dr. Whitney Oakley was joined by her senior leadership team and members of the media at the 2022-2023 Back to School Media Briefing this week.  

“GCS is a great place to learn, work and grow,” said Oakley. “It is truly an honor to serve our community.” Earlier this month, the Board of Education passed its official 2022-23 budget (8-0), which included higher pay for teachers and other staff. Despite teacher shortages across the country, more than 200 teachers have joined GCS since June 28.

During the media briefing, Oakley reflected on how far the district has come over the last two and a half years amidst a pandemic, staff shortages, and school violence impacting schools nationally. 

“The strength of the community has shown over the last few years,” said Oakley. “Our efforts are paying off.” 

Oakley’s highlights and updates included a broad range of topics, from learning, school safety, wellness, and transportation, to school nutrition and construction projects. 

Parents and the community can expect great things this school year.

Learning Growth

High-dosage tutoring will continue this school year. Approximately 5,246 students were tutored by 421 tutors last year for 66,910 hours in over 109,145 sessions. Additionally, 5,901 students attended Learning Hubs at one of the 15 comprehensive GCS high schools last year.

Students will continue to be offered rigorous Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses. CTE credentials awarded increased by 140% from the previous year.

GCS is planning to announce learning gains across student groups and subjects next month in conjunction with the state accountability data to be released on September 1.

School Safety and Wellness

GCS is implementing a robust school safety and security strategy. The district continues its focus on building and nurturing relationships with students and families by adding additional mental health support to ensure staff are equipped to meet the needs of students

GCS is also adding touchless security screeners to high schools, upgrading and adding more security cameras to schools, and enhancing communication systems for first responders. GCS is also partnering with the Greensboro Police Department, High Point Police Department, and Guilford County Sheriff’s Office on active shooter training utilizing the current Foust and Claxton Elementary School buildings before demolition.

Transportation

GCS has resumed bus routes for all students requesting transportation. GCS has also upgraded its bus routing system to optimize routes and maximize ridership to enhance efficiency and address ongoing bus driver shortages. If you need to request transportation, please click here.

GCS will continue partnering with the Greensboro Transit Agency and High Point Transit System to offer students the option of riding public transportation for free. Students will need a valid 2022-2023 GCS issued ‘One Card’ to use these services. 

School Nutrition

The federal waivers that allowed districts to serve breakfast and lunch for free to all students have ended. All parents, regardless of income, are encouraged to fill out the meal benefits application. To fill out the application, go to www.lunchapplication.com.

If you participate in an assistance program, you will need to know your case number (not your card or account number) when filling out the form. If not, you will need to know your adjusted gross income and any Social Security or retirement benefits you receive.

Building Services

The Building Services team has been working hard this summer, completing nearly 5,000 work orders, 13 HVAC projects, and three roof replacements.

School Bonds

The wait is over! Next week, the district will be breaking ground on six new schools funded by the $300 million school bond approved in 2020. Plans for the $1.7 billion school bond overwhelmingly approved by voters on May 17 are in the beginning stages.

“The future of Guilford County Schools is bright. I believe our best days are ahead,” said Oakley. “Let’s get to work.” 

More back-to-school information, including the bell schedule, elementary supply list, and important phone numbers, can be found at www.gcsnc.com/backtoschool22.

To view the full presentation, click here.

About Guilford County Schools 

Guilford County Schools, the third-largest school district in North Carolina and one of the 50th largest of more than 14,000 in the United States, serves more than 70,000 PK-12 students at 126 schools. With approximately 9,800 employees, GCS works in partnership with parents, businesses, colleges, and the community to deliver an education that connects student interests and skills with the careers and economy of our future here and around the world. We provide educational choices to meet individual student needs in a culturally diverse citizenship and new opportunities to help our students Soar to Greatness. For more information, visit the district’s website at www.gcsnc.com.