During the May 17, 2022, primary election, Guilford County voters will consider a $1.7 billion school bond as well as a fraction of a penny (0.25%) sales and use tax that will help finance the bond. 

Building on the initial $300 million investment from the 2020 bond, which only funds a fraction of the needs, the 2022 $1.7 billion school bond will address critical safety and maintenance needs in our schools. It will provide safer and healthier learning environments for Guilford County students. The bond will help fund: 

Guilford County Schools currently has more than $2 billion in facility needs, including more than $800 million in deferred maintenance. Across 12.5 million square feet of facilities –  including 126 schools, 300 buildings, and nearly 3,000 acres of land – GCS historically has received less than $0.50 per square foot for maintenance and upkeep of those facilities each year from general operating funds.

An investment in our schools is also an investment in our community and local economy. 

On May 17, Guilford County voters passed an historic $1.7 billion in school bonds for Guilford County Schools. “On behalf of our students, principals, teachers and staff, I want to thank the voters of Guilford County for their support of the 2022 school bond,” said Sharon Contreras, superintendent. “This bond represents a critical turning point for our schools and community for years to come.”

Contreras also thanked the SMART Campaign Committee and the committed volunteers who worked to secure this historic investment in our schools. 

“This has been an inspiring community effort. It demonstrates the broad base of support for our students, teachers and public schools,” said Contreras. 

The 2022 school bond will provide funding to address critical infrastructure needs identified in the master facilities plan, which include building, rebuilding and fully renovating schools across Guilford County. The school bond will also provide safety and technology upgrades to schools. 

“For more than five years, the Guilford County Board of Education and Guilford County Commissioners have worked together to develop and begin implementing a plan to improve our facilities,” said Deena Hayes-Greene, chairperson. “Now, let’s continue the work.”

Voters did not approve the fraction of a penny sales tax that was also on the ballot, but this should not stall progress on construction.