Guilford County demands state action on education funding

During a recent budget hearing, the Guilford County Board of Commissioners expressed strong support for public education, highlighting significant local investments while criticizing the North Carolina General Assembly for inadequate funding. Since 2021, the board has increased local funding for K-12 schools by over $115 million across three budget cycles, with a proposed budget for FY 25 aiming to raise that investment to $140 million—a 50% increase over four years.

However, the board lamented that the state legislature has failed to meet its constitutional obligation to provide sufficient funding for public education, leaving local governments and taxpayers to fill the gaps. The board emphasized that rising operational costs and the growing needs of students require additional state investment, which has not materialized.

The commissioners specifically called on the General Assembly to comply with the Leandro mandate, which outlines the necessary funding for a sound basic education for all children. They urged the legislature to implement the comprehensive remedial plan and revise the low wealth supplement formula, which has excluded Guilford County from receiving essential funds for teacher supplements despite a significant percentage of residents being Medicaid eligible and students qualifying for free or reduced lunch.

The board's statement concluded with a call for collaboration among counties across the state to advocate for these necessary changes, asserting that North Carolina has the potential to be a leader in both business and education. The commissioners emphasized the importance of holding the General Assembly accountable, noting that approximately $1.3 billion in potential education funding remains unallocated in the state budget.