Board Approves Consolidations for Four Elementary Schools

Guilford County, N.C. – Following a series of parent and staff meetings and public hearings, the Guilford County Board of Education has voted to move forward with a boundary realignment plan that consolidates four elementary schools – Madison, Southern, Vandalia and Washington. The school closures would not take effect until the 2026-27 or 2027-28 school year. No staff members will lose their jobs as a result of the boundary changes.  

The school closures will help GCS realign resources to support student success, better utilize limited taxpayer dollars, and respond to the challenges of shifting enrollment in certain areas of the county.  

“This transition places students in strong school communities that will build on the support they’ve already received and offer opportunities for students to continue to learn, grow and thrive,” says Superintendent Whitney Oakley.  

On Tuesday, the board voted to do the following:  

• Close Madison Elementary in 2026-27 and adjust the attendance boundaries of Brightwood Elementary, Monticello-Brown Summit Elementary and Reedy Fork Elementary;  

• Close Vandalia Elementary and Washington Elementary in 2026-27 and adjust the attendance boundaries of Bessemer Elementary, Bluford Elementary, Falkener Elementary, Frazier Elementary, Gillespie Park Elementary, Pleasant Garden Elementary and Simkins Elementary; and 

• Close Southern Elementary in 2027-28 and adjust the attendance boundaries of Allen Jay Elementary and Sumner Elementary. Both Sumner and Allen Jay are being rebuilt and are expected to reopen in 2027-28.  

Impacted families will have at least a year to become familiar with their new assigned schools. During that time, the receiving school communities will host events and activities to welcome new students and families.  

This action builds on previous efforts to optimize school facilities. In fall 2023, students from Murphey, Wiley and Archer elementaries were reassigned into the boundaries for the newly rebuilt Peck Elementary and Foust Elementary, which reopened in January 2025. Read more about new and renovated schools here.  

As GCS plans for the future, the district remains committed to responsible stewardship of public funds, and providing safe, high-quality learning environments for all students.