Education is a City Council Responsibility

Every child deserves access to a safe, equitable education—it’s a civil right. The $2 billion school bond approved by Guilford County residents reflects our shared commitment to education and investing in schools. Good schools strengthen neighborhoods by boosting stability, property values, and business growth. They also create local employment opportunities and attract companies, which consider school quality when choosing locations. Investing in education is an investment in the city’s economic future. 

Schools are not islands, they are at the heart of our neighborhoods and our communities are experiencing the same disparities across systems. Our plan to address disparities must be comprehensive and consistent. In order to identify and address these disparities, we need to acquire and dissect appropriate data to understand root problems.

The Greensboro City Council has historically had a hands-off approach to our schools and have worked together as needed to respond to natural disasters and crises. We serve the same population, we need to be better partners to the Guilford County Board of Education and our school system.  

Greensboro City Council + GCS: Working “Better Together”

I will champion the future “Guilford Guarantee”

The Guilford Guarantee: A proposed commitment between The City of Greensboro and Guilford County Schools that will ensure all graduates of GCS will receive either an associate’s degree or a workforce credential by the time they graduate, equipping them with the necessary skills and qualifications to thrive in the workforce.

Greensboro City Council has the authority to provide bus transportation for students to attend classes at local community colleges. This will ensure that transportation is not a barrier for any student to access higher education.

Share Data Across Systems

Conduct a Data Inventory: Identify existing data across healthcare, housing, transportation, and education, and address gaps.

• Establish Data Sharing Protocols: Collaborate to develop common indicators across sectors (e.g., student health, housing instability, transportation access, performance data).

• Leverage Technology: Use shared platforms for real-time, integrated data access.

Create Meaningful Collaboration

Joint Leadership Teams: Convene key stakeholders (City Managers, School Board, healthcare providers, housing authorities, transportation officials, superintendent, elected officials in all governing bodies  and community groups) for regular meetings to review data, identify joint interventions, and align on priorities.

Include Community Voices: Ensure that students and families, especially those most impacted, have a platform to share their experiences and shape actions.

City Planning and Zoning

Develop policies that encourage holistic community growth alongside the construction of new schools. Schools represent a significant investment in infrastructure, which can serve as a catalyst for nearby housing, amenities, and business development. These projects also provide valuable opportunities to hire local workers and engage local businesses, with a strong emphasis on utilizing Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs).