During a recent government meeting, educators and school administrators voiced urgent concerns regarding the state of facilities and teacher compensation in Guilford County schools. A former teacher from Southern Guilford High School highlighted the challenges faced by educators, citing inadequate pay and poor working conditions as reasons for high turnover rates. He lamented the lack of air conditioning and heating in classrooms, stating, “Two and a half million to fix 126 schools and keep them going. That's an embarrassment. Schools need more.”

Christopher Scott, the principal of Southeast Guilford High School, expressed gratitude towards county commissioners for their support over the past three years but emphasized the need for continued collaboration to address pressing issues. He called for increased funding for teacher salaries and improvements to school facilities, urging the city manager and commissioners to remain engaged with the challenges faced by educators and students.

Scott underscored the importance of a unified approach to tackling these issues, stating, “If we are going to continue to have that progress, you all have to stay proximate to what we face.” He reiterated the necessity for a budget that reflects the needs of the schools, particularly in terms of teacher compensation and infrastructure improvements.

The meeting also featured emotional testimonies from educators, including Britton, who shared his passion for teaching emergency medical technology in Guilford County. His heartfelt remarks underscored the dedication of teachers despite the challenges they face.

Overall, the discussions highlighted a critical need for increased investment in education to ensure better working conditions for teachers and a more conducive learning environment for students in Guilford County.