Guilford County voters have approved a quarter-cent local sales tax aimed at boosting teacher pay, ending a string of seven failed attempts dating back to 2008. With all precincts reporting, the unofficial tally stood at 129,732 in favor and 76,669 against — a decisive win on the measure's eighth trip to the ballot.
The tax will raise the county's combined general sales tax rate from 6.75 percent to 7 percent once commissioners vote to levy it, according to The Rhino Times. In practical terms, shoppers would pay an extra quarter on every $100 of eligible purchases, as reported by WFDD. Fuel, vehicles, groceries, non-prepared foods, medications and certain medical devices are exempt from the increase, per the Greensboro News and Record.
A Tax That Took Seven Tries to Pass
Guilford voters had rejected the sales tax seven times since 2008 before this week's vote, the Greensboro News and Record reports. The closest previous call came in 2010, when the measure lost by 3,824 votes. This year's ballot broke that pattern by spelling out exactly where the money would go — something the news organization notes the previous ballot language didn't specify.
That shift toward a dedicated spending plan appears to have mattered. Reporting from WFDD links the newly specified use of the revenue directly to the measure's passage after years of defeat.
Where the Money Would Go
WFDD reports the tax is expected to generate roughly $30 million annually, with 70% of that — about $21 million — going toward teacher salary supplements, plus 18% for firefighter equipment and 8% for Guilford Technical Community College, with the remainder split among five municipalities. The Greensboro News and Record has also cited $20.2 million for teacher and instructional-support supplements. Annual revenue estimates have also varied, with an earlier Rhino Times report in August pegging the tax at roughly $29 million a year.
Beyond teacher pay, 18% of the revenue — about $5.4 million of a $30 million total — is allocated for fire protection or equipment, while 8% — about $2.4 million — goes to Guilford Technical Community College. Roughly $1.2 million is allocated to qualifying towns.
Why Teacher Pay Became the Focus
Teacher compensation remains a focus in Guilford County. WFDD reported that the district pays thousands less than Wake and Mecklenburg counties and even trails neighboring Forsyth County in teacher pay.
That gap has real consequences for staffing, with experienced teachers leaving for neighboring counties for higher pay. An EdNC analysis ranks Guilford County sixth in North Carolina for local teacher supplements and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools 19th, noting that supplements could help recruit and retain educators.
Educators and Advocates React
Guilford County Schools Superintendent Whitney Oakley credited students with helping carry the measure, saying they used their voices to support their community. Oakley expressed gratitude to nearly 20,000 voters and poll volunteers, and said the district will continue seeking more compensation at both the state and local levels, including continued advocacy for salary increases for classified employees.
Wendy Nelson, president and CEO of the regional nonprofit Shifted, said the sales tax invests in teachers, firefighters and the community college. Shifted describes itself as an organization that brings together schools, employers, higher education, government and community organizations with the aim of creating pathways to student success.
County commissioners still have to vote to levy the tax before the new rate and spending plan take effect, per The Rhino Times.
