GREENSBORO, N.C. — Open houses for schools across Guilford County are underway this week, and the back-to-school season is officially in full swing.
Guilford County Schools district leaders including Whitney Oakley, the GCS superintendent, held a press conference at 11 a.m. to provide updates about the 2024 - 2025 school year. District officials addressed questions regarding school bus routes, student and staff safety, and body scanners.
Top of mind for many parents in the county is how their children will get to and from school. There have been reports from parents that they have received email communications from school district leaders explaining if their child lives within a mile to a mile and a half of their designated elementary, middle, or high school, there will not be school bus transportation provided to them.
North Carolina law states that "a pupil who lives one and one‑half miles or more from the school to which the pupil is assigned shall be eligible for school bus transportation."
Beyond transportation changes, district leaders said supporting the well being of students is a high priority for them. GCS is expanding its telehealth services with seven more schools offering these services to students. GCS explained that they will continue virtual tutoring for students along with the after hour helpline.
Retention is another topic GCS superintendent Oakley spoke about during the press conference. Oakley said since July of this year, 389 teachers have been hired but filling other positions remains a challenge.
"Some of our hardest to fill positions are the ones that promote the safety and wellness for our students. When we look at the vacancies, we see a higher number for HVAC technicians plumbers, electricians maintenance staff, as well as specialize positions like nurses an occupational therapist and physical therapist and psychologist. The truth is, we just aren't competitive with the private sector as far as what we pay these groups, which is why we can expect to continue to see these higher vacancy rates," Oakley said.
She explained chronic absenteeism increased across the country after the pandemic, and nearly doubled in Guilford County. One in three elementary school students missed more than 10 days of school last year, according to Oakley.
GCS district leaders stated all bus cameras have been upgraded for safety, and the district is looking to add more vape detectors in middle schools.
MORE WAYS TO GET WFMY NEWS 2
Download the WFMY News 2 APP from your Apple or Google Play store.
ADD THE WFMY+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WFMY.
Amazon Fire TV: Search for WFMY to find the free app to add to your account. You can also add the app directly to your Fire TV through your Amazon account.