news-record.com

GREENSBORO – On the eve of Tuesday’s election, the black members of the Guilford County Board of Education are asking voters to oppose the $457 million in school bonds.

Deena Hayes, a school board member, cited the poor academic performance of black students and the low participation rates of black contractors in past construction bonds as the reasons for their opposition.

"We believe that it is imperative that this community hold this district accountable to our children and remove barriers to equitable access to a quality education," Hayes said at a Monday news conference. "Due to the deplorable educational outcomes of African American students and the unacceptable participation rate of our African American contractors, we will not be supporting the Guilford County school bond."

Amos Quick, another board member, attended the conference along with 11 other contractors and concerned citizens. Walter Childs, the school board’s third black member, was unable to attend because of a previous commitment.

Other groups with membership from the black community have announced their opposition of the bonds, which are expected to build or renovate 18 schools. Those groups include the Black Contractors Guild of Greensboro, Undoing Racism in Guilford County and the George Simkins PAC.

Read more in Tuesday’s News & Record.

Contact Morgan Josey Glover at 373-7078 or morgan.josey@news-record.com