Economy Expected to Stall Enrollment Growth in GCS

Contact: Laurie Hogan (336) 370-8307
Created: 5/6/2009 7:29:40 AM

The ongoing economic crisis is expected to stall enrollment growth in Guilford County Schools (GCS) next school year. For the first time in nearly a decade, GCS expects to serve roughly the same number of students in the fall as it does this year. GCS also anticipates a one-year drop in kindergarten enrollment caused by a new state law that goes into effect this fall. Students have to turn age five by August 31, 2009 in order to enroll in kindergarten.

With student enrollment expected to shrink at many schools and reductions in weighted student formula dollars, the district is experiencing more staff movement than normal this spring. Last year for example, schools displaced 36 employees. This year, schools are displacing about 223 employees, including 178 jobs held by licensed personnel such as assistant principals, counselors, teachers and curriculum facilitators. Since 122 of these employees are either retiring or serving in an interim role, the number of employees requiring placement drops to 101. Typically, most personnel displaced by school-based staffing decisions find new homes within GCS as part of the normal attrition process as vacancies are created by retirements and resignations.

Currently, GCS has 173 vacancies for licensed personnel and 75 vacancies for classified staff such as teacher assistants, secretaries and custodians. GCS’ goal is to find another position for employees, according to Peggy Thompson, chief human resources officer. Later this week, human resources will start meeting with any staff members displaced as part of the annual school staffing process. “We’re looking internally to fill vacancies first,” said Thompson. “During these tough economic times, we want to keep as many of our hard-working employees on the job as possible.” While the focus is on hiring from within, internal candidates still must have the appropriate credentials, skills and experiences, Thompson said.

This brings the total number of positions reduced by GCS for next school year to 375 due to budget cuts, reorganization and school-based staffing decisions. Since not all positions were filled previously, about 350 employees have been impacted by the reductions. Of this number, 189 have resigned, retired, been hired in other positions, or are interim employees who are hired for a period of up to one year. As a result, the district currently is trying to find placements for about 161 employees. GCS has about 10,000 employees on its payroll, making it the largest employer in Guilford County.

While the overall percentage of employees who are being impacted by job loss or displacement is relatively small, school officials acknowledged this is a painful process. “This is very hard on our employees, and everyone involved in GCS, including our administration and Board of Education, and especially the employees who are impacted by these changes,” said Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green. “However, as we continue to work through the challenging economic times we face, I’m incredibly proud of how our employees are responding. They are keeping the focus on meeting the needs of our students, and I applaud them for their efforts.”

To help GCS employees cope with job loss, GCS created www.gcsnc.com/hr/rif/index.htm. This site also may be helpful to employees whose spouse or family members experience job loss at other employers. Green also pointed out that the ongoing uncertainty regarding state funding for next year is making budget decisions more difficult. “These reductions were based on the Governor’s proposed budget,” said Green. “If things continue to go from bad to worse in Raleigh, we may have to make further adjustments.”

The GCS Board of Education is scheduled to vote on the superintendent’s budget recommendations on May 12. County Manager Brenda Jones-Fox is expected to present her budget recommendations, which will include local funding for GCS, to the Board of County Commissioners on May 7.

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About Guilford County Schools

Guilford County Schools is the third largest school district in North Carolina serving more than 71,000 students at 120 schools. With approximately 10,000 employees, the district’s mission is to graduate responsible citizens prepared to succeed in higher education or the career of their choice. 

Guilford County Schools is a national leader in providing specialized schools and instructional programs designed to meet the educational needs of a culturally diverse citizenship.  For more information, visit the district’s Web site at www.gcsnc.com.