Guilford Voters OK $300 Million School Bond Referendum, Reject Sales Tax Increase

Voters in Guilford County have approved a $300 million school bond referendum. But they rejected a sales tax increase to help pay for it.

Unofficial results show that about three-quarters of the county's voters supported the bond referendum, which targets money for school renovation and construction.

But they turned down increasing the local sales tax, which officials had hoped would help pay back the $300 million.

The News & Record reports commissioners may now consider raising property taxes to help cover the debt.

In addition to renovating facilities, officials hope to replace some elementary schools, build a new school in southwestern Guilford County, and buy land to accommodate future school projects.

Angie Henry is the district's chief of operations and finances. Henry says the work covered by this set of bonds should be completed within five years.