Guilford Education Alliance

As part of our work, GEA has partnered with Guilford County Schools and WFMY News 2 on a monthly series called Build Smart 2Gether - sharing updates on our community’s historic investment in schools. Take a minute to watch the story below about the new Peck Expedionary Learning School. It’s an amazing new K-8 school that is unique in our state! Thank you to SHP and The Christman Company for their work on Peck. Our community has a lot to be proud of here!

GEA is leading the charge to get the fraction of a penny sales tax passed this Nov. It’s time. Guilford County was 1 of 4 counties left out of a state teacher pay supplement. Now, our teachers making 35% less than peer counties. That means it’s harder to attract and retain teachers. A fraction of a penny sales tax equals 5 cents on every $20 spent and won’t apply to gas, groceries or prescriptions. It will bring in an estimated $25M annually and 40% will come from tourism - things like Tanger shows, festivals, Furniture Market. Let’s leverage those funds for our teachers, bus drivers, custodians and cafeteria workers. All of these folks care for our community’s kids every day. Isn’t it time we cared for them? Pick your sign up at GEA - 311 Pomona Drive, Suite E. Or go to www.salestax4educators.org to find other GSO and HP sign pick- up locations.

It’s always a good time to advocate for our students and teachers, but the last few days have been especially powerful! Folks, there’s going to be a fraction of a penny sales on the ballot coming up to raise much needed funds for pay for teachers and frontline workers like bus drivers and cafeteria workers. Events like the NC Folk Festival, the High Point Furniture Market, and the Tanger Center bring significant tourism dollars into Guilford County. This tax leverages those funds. When we all give a little, our teachers and frontline workers get a lot. We’re out at the NC Folk Fesitval this weekend spreading the word and will have more to share about this in the weeks leading up to voting. This just makes cents!

We spent the morning with WFMY News 2 and Claxton Elementary Principal Kevin Thoma to learn more about the first new school to open with the 2020 school bond dollars. Bottom line? It’s pretty incredible! And it sends a strong message - Guilford County values public education. Together, we are building bright futures for kids, for our community!

The Teacher Supply Warehouse has already had a 40% increase in the number of GCS educators shopping since July! We need your help to keep the shelves stocked. It's easy! Stop by Target this Saturday. Pick up a few extra supplies to donate. Drop them off as you exit the store. When we all give a little, teachers get a lot!

GEA’s Teacher Supply Warehouse re-opened this week and Guilford County Schools educators have kept us busy as they stock up for the 24-25 school year! Want to help? Pick up a few extra supplies to donate when you are out shopping or donate at www.GEANC.org and help us purchase supplies at wholesale costs. When we all give a little, our students and teachers get a lot!

Guilford County Schools graduates continue to shine! GEA is proud to announce that Dr. Zithobile “Zitty” Nxumalo is our next president! This GCS graduate understands the power that GCS plays in the futures of our students first-hand. “This is a full circle moment for me because GCS gave me a foundation that made my success possible, “ says Dr. Nxumalo. “It’s a dream come true to now use my experience to make sure GCS students and teachers have all the tools and support they need to build bright futures.” Dr. Nxumalo holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Guilford College, a master’s degree in communication studies from UNCG and a doctorate in leadership studies from NC A & T State University. Previously, she was the founding owner of Deftable, LLC, a leadership consulting business, where she worked with local clients including the Center for Creative Leadership, The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro (formerly ArtsGreensboro), UNC Greensboro, Men of Color in Education Leadership (MCEL) and High Point University ASCEND (Accelerating School Leaders through Executive Coaching, Networking and Development) program. Dr. Nxumalo has also been a visiting assistant professor at both Wake Forest University and UNCG. In 2016, Dr. Nxumalo was named one of the Triad Business Journal's 40 Leaders under 40. She was also awarded the City of Greensboro’s Leadership Greensboro Service Medal in 2021. Please join us in welcoming her! #brightfutures

Join us!

This week, GEA joined over 400 public school advocates at the annual issues and Eggs event hosted by the Public School Forum of North Carolina. Each year, the forum identifies critical education issues for our state. In a pivotal election year, its more important than ever to be informed. Check out the full Key Issues report here: https://lnkd.in/geF7m3ym

What a inspiring day as the High Point Schools Partnership honored 6 amazing Guilford County Schools seniors at the annual Student Leadership Awards Luncheon. The future is indeed bright!