GREENSBORO, N.C. — Guilford County Schools (GCS) is opening the 2025–2026 academic year on what leaders call a “high note,” with new facilities, stronger safety measures, and a pledge to prepare students for life beyond the classroom.
Strong Start on Staffing
The district is beginning the year with fewer than 15 teacher vacancies across all schools — a significant achievement compared to shortages seen in many other districts. Superintendent Dr. Whitney Oakley said that milestone reflects the district’s commitment to putting strong educators in front of every student. Bus drivers conversely hover around 70 vacancies for this year.
“Students matter more than anything else. They’re our future, they’re the future of our community,” Oakley said.
GCS is also continuing its Teacher Cadet program, which allows high school students to gain classroom experience and earn early certifications that make them employable right after graduation.
New Schools and Safer Campuses
This year marks the official opening of two new campuses: the rebuilt Kiser Middle School and the new Peeler Hampton Visual and Performing Arts Elementary School, which replaces a building destroyed in the 2018 tornado. District leaders say both schools are symbols of pride for their communities…