Guilford County Considers New $550 Million School Bond as Costs Rise

Guilford County commissioners and county leadership are already talking about asking voters to approve a new school construction bond of roughly $550 million to address remaining facility needs from earlier referenda. The idea comes as officials contend that construction costs and inflation have eroded the purchasing power of voter approved funds, leaving some planned schools and renovations unfinished.

Board Chair Melvin "Skip" Alston told The Rhino Times on Nov. 12, 2025 that rising construction costs and inflation mean previously approved referenda will not cover all planned schools and renovations, and additional borrowing may be "unavoidable." That statement frames the county conversation as officials weigh how to complete projects that communities expect while managing local finances.

Guilford County is carrying a substantial existing debt burden related to prior school referenda. The principal from those earlier commitments totals roughly $2 billion, and the total cost becomes much higher when interest is included. County leaders say the combination of that existing debt, higher interest rates in recent years, and steep construction price increases has produced a funding gap for capital projects that were scoped under assumptions no longer valid.

Any new bond would require voter approval, meaning the political calculus will be central to commissioners as they consider timing and scope. For residents, the decision would have several direct implications. Completion of delayed school projects would affect class sizes, safety and accessibility improvements, and modern learning facilities in neighborhoods across the county. At the same time additional borrowing could influence property tax rates, county budget priorities, and long term debt servicing obligations that shape future spending on schools, public safety and other services.

The fiscal context facing Guilford County mirrors pressures local governments are seeing nationwide and internationally, where inflation and supply chain disruptions have pushed construction costs higher. Locally the debate will hinge on priorities, the appetite of voters to take on more debt, and how commissioners propose to structure any bond so that it addresses the most urgent facility needs while limiting long term costs.

Politically, commissioners face a delicate balancing act. Supporters of new borrowing will point to unmet needs and the practical difficulty of stretching existing appropriations as originally planned. Opponents may raise concerns about rising debt levels and the tax implications for households still managing inflationary pressures. The requirement that voters approve any bond means commissioners will likely seek clear communications about which projects would be funded, expected timelines for construction, and the estimated impact on taxpayers before placing a measure on the ballot.

As discussions continue, residents can expect more detailed cost estimates and project lists from county staff, and a public debate about priorities for school facilities across Guilford County.