GCS "Building Futures"

Guilford Elementary

Prior to the $200 million construction bond which passed in 2000, Guilford County Schools (GCS) had not seen major construction since the 1970’s. That bond built five new schools and funded major renovations in six schools, and because GCS carefully managed funds, the district was able to include several additional projects not originally outlined in the 2000 bond. Guilford County voters then approved a $300 million construction bond in 2003, which provided resources for six new schools, four replacement schools and a great deal of renovations and expansions.

One of the final projects from the 2003 construction bond referendum, Guilford Elementary is days away from completion. This brand new 740-student capacity school is a replacement for Guilford Primary and will incorporate fourth- and fifth-grade students who were previously attending Guilford Middle. Expected to be finished by mid-July, the crews are putting the finishing touches on the campus, such as cabinetry and flooring. Outside, the parking areas are paved, sidewalks are in and canopies are raised.
Principal Eunice Isley said the faculty, staff and students of the former Guilford Primary are ready to make the move: “Everybody has been anticipating this for a couple years. Everybody who has seen it is really excited and very impressed with the school.”

The biggest adjustment for the new school is the addition of fourth and fifth grades. Beyond the advantages of a having a comprehensive elementary facility, Isley said the added grade levels will have a huge benefit to the students in the classroom. “We’re excited for our ABC scores,” Isley said. “Just being able to follow those students to the fifth grade makes a difference academically.”

Reedy Fork Elementary

Another brand new school opening thanks to the 2003 construction bond, Reedy Fork Elementary, is seeing the finishing touches being put in place in preparation for an August opening. Considered a green school because of its environmental benefits, the building’s capacity is 720 students. Water and sewer lines have been run to the building, and the roads have been cut in.

With crews finishing the interior, Principal Denise Schroeder explained the buzz around the school in the northeast area of the county. “Everybody is really excited about all the new changes and the new school,” she said. “And they think it’s really cool that it’s a green school. Teachers, staff, students, parents, everyone’s just really excited.”

The green elements of the school will be reflected in the students’ curricula. Not only are the halls and common areas named with environmental themes like “Recycle Row,” but the earth-friendly features like natural day lighting will have a direct impact on the students. “I think we focus more and use the green concept to integrate the environment more into curriculum,” Schroeder said. “It’s going to be like we’re celebrating Earth Day every day.”

Elementary School Updates

One of the final projects from the 2003 construction bond referendum, Guilford Elementary is days away from completion. This brand new 740-student capacity school is a replacement for Guilford Primary and will incorporate fourth- and fifth-grade students who were previously attending Guilford Middle. Expected to be finished by mid-July, the crews are putting the finishing touches on the campus, such as cabinetry and flooring. Outside, the parking areas are paved, sidewalks are in and canopies are raised.

Principal Eunice Isley said the faculty, staff and students of the former Guilford Primary are ready to make the move: “Everybody has been anticipating this for a couple years. Everybody who has seen it is really excited and very impressed with the school.”

Construction on the addition at Parkview Elementary is moving along quickly now that site grading is complete. Before any construction took place, crews relocated a stream that moved through the site. The foundations, steel framework and new entrance road are nearly finished. When complete at the end of the year, the addition will feature a new administrative area, multi-purpose room and classroom wing that will house several of the magnet school’s arts programs.

Pleasant Garden Elementary is eagerly awaiting construction of a new classroom addition any day as this project has just been awarded to Morlando-Holden Construction. When finished, the addition will house six classrooms, two resource rooms, a teacher work room, kitchen, dining room, restrooms, storage and equipment rooms. The school will also receive new driveways in the project.

Another brand new school opening thanks to the 2003 construction bond, Reedy Fork Elementary, is seeing the finishing touches being put in place in preparation for an August opening. Considered a green school because of its environmental benefits, the building’s capacity is 720 students. Water and sewer lines have been run to the building, and the roads have been cut in.

Northern Elementary is one of the final primary schools of the 2003 construction bond. Joining the new Northern Middle and Northern High, construction on this elementary school should complete in December. Site grading is complete on the 740-student capacity school, and concrete slabs have been poured. Currently, masonry walls are in progress. The classroom wings’ roofs are complete, and window installation is underway. In the meantime, HVAC, plumbing and electrical rough-ins are being installed.

GCS has received bids for the new Union Hill Elementary, and the award of the project should be made soon. Teachers are packing boxes for their move to the recently vacated Allen Jay Middle, where classes will be held while the new school is under construction. The new Union Hill will utilize the same basic design as Guilford Elementary with modifications to fit on the site. The construction is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2008.

High School Updates

The only brand new high school in the 2003 construction bond, Northern High is right on schedule to open in January 2008. The pre-case panels and space frame skylight system are erected, and the building is closed in. With window installation virtually complete, the next step is to install the interior plumbing, HVAC, electrical wiring and sprinklers. With a classroom capacity of 1,210, the school has core support areas sized for 1,600 students.

Site work at the campus is in progress, and when complete, will feature student, staff and visitor parking, bus loading and parking, parent drop-off, storm water management and landscaping. Construction on the athletic facilities is also in progress. The finished campus will feature a stadium for track and football that seats 2,500 on the home side and 1,500 on the visiting side. The stadium also has restroom, concessions and press box facilities. Beyond the stadium, the athletic facilities include a soccer/lacrosse field, a baseball field, softball field, one practice field and six tennis courts. Lighting for night contests will be provided for the football, soccer/lacrosse, baseball and softball fields.

Construction costs have sky-rocketed nationwide, but GCS has been as judicious as possible with bond dollars. According to the Department of Public Instruction, the state has seen a 42 percent increase in construction costs, but GCS has experienced a rise just over 10 percent in the same amount of time.

In compliance with federal laws, Guilford County Schools administers all educational programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination because of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, color, age, military service, disability or gender, except where exemption is appropriate and allowed by law. Refer to the Board of Education's Discrimination Free Environment Policy AC for a complete statement. Inquiries or complaints should be directed to the Guilford County Schools Compliance Officer, 120 Franklin Boulevard, Greensboro, NC 27401; 336.370.2323.