Guilford County Schools Plan Extra Programs, More Teachers For Reentry

School leaders in Guilford County are looking ahead at new programs to help with the gradual reentry of students. 

Guilford County Schools is working on a tutoring program that would pair kids with college students and recent graduates. Summer programming is also on the list to address learning loss and achievement gaps during the pandemic.

The district will begin using a new testing assessment tool this month to help identify areas where students need the most help.

Superintendent Sharon Contreras says as they bring back more kids, they'll need additional teachers to juggle social distancing and other safety protocols.

“We can't have 24 or 30 students in a classroom," says Contreras. "So we have advertised and we are offering up to $30,000 bonuses out of Cares Act funding for teachers to come to the district, if they have highly effective data in the state showing they are a top teacher."

Contreras says the district plans to hire 40 teachers over the next few months to fill vacancies in elementary and select secondary mathematics positions.

Bus drivers and other staff may also be needed, but that will be determined at a later date. As of now, Pre-K through 2nd grade, as well as some exceptional students, have returned for in-person learning.

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