GCS Board of Education gives green light to 2024-25 budget proposal

The Guilford County Schools (GCS) Board of Education has officially approved a budget for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. This budget includes provisions to maintain critical programs, increase staff pay, and allocate additional funding to charter schools. Now, the plan is set to be reviewed by the Guilford County Board of Commissioners.

The approved budget includes a significant $40.3 million increase in funding for operational costs, higher teacher supplements, improved salary plans for classified staff, continued safety and tutoring initiatives, start-up costs for new schools, and a raise in the charter school allotment. Additionally, the school board has earmarked nearly $44 million for charter schools as mandated by the state.

In an effort to streamline operations and improve efficiency, the plan also includes initiatives to eliminate outdated systems, consolidate some school and office buildings, and enhance transportation services.

If the Guilford County Board of Commissioners gives their approval, the school district stands to receive over $304 million for the upcoming school year. This funding includes an expected $91 million from the federal government and $485 million from the state, pending final approval from the North Carolina General Assembly.

The county is scheduled to discuss the budget on June 6 and must reach a decision by July 1. In the meantime, GCS plans to adopt an interim budget resolution at their June 27 board meeting to ensure continued operations in the new fiscal year while awaiting final budget adoption and allocation from the state.