Guilford County Board Extends Superintendent Whitney Oakley’s Contract 

Guilford County, N.C. – The Guilford County Board of Education reaffirmed its continued confidence in Superintendent Dr. Whitney Oakley on Tuesday, voting to extend her contract for four years, the maximum amount allowed by law, through June 30, 2030. 

“Dr. Oakley led Guilford County Schools through the difficult fiscal and cultural climate of the 2025-26 school year with strength, grace and humility. The Board recognizes her significant accomplishments in the past year. She provides thoughtful, student-centered leadership to GCS,” said Board Chair Deena Hayes. “Our academic performance continues to improve with each year she leads our district. She has delivered on the projects we have undertaken and kept construction moving so that our staff and students benefit from the precious bond dollars dedicated for that purpose. We are very pleased with her performance in the last year.” 

The Board’s action follows a year of significant academic progress for GCS. Under Oakley’s leadership, the district achieved its highest-ever graduation rate of 93 percent and increased overall average academic proficiency by 3.9 percentage points in one year. Performance improved across every racial and ethnic student group, with some of the largest gains among Black, Hispanic, American Indian and multiracial students. The district also has the fewest number of low-performing schools in more than a decade.  

GCS students also expanded their participation in opportunities that prepare them for college and careers. Through the Career and College Promise program, students completed 11,693 college courses, an increase of more than 500 courses from the previous year. These opportunities support the district’s Guilford Guarantee, its commitment to ensuring every graduate leaves GCS with a clear plan for the future and meaningful preparation through college credit, an industry-recognized credential and/or workplace learning.  

Oakley has also focused on aligning district resources with its highest priorities amid rising operating costs, reduced federal support and enrollment changes. The district realigned nearly $5 million to balance its budget and adjusted its student device strategy to maximize available resources while maintaining access to technology for instruction. 

At the same time, GCS continues to expand pathways for students through partnerships with GTCC, N.C. A&T, UNCG, Toyota, JetZero, shift_ed, local chambers of commerce and other business, higher education and community partners. Together, these partnerships connect students to college and career pathways, providing opportunities to explore careers, earn college credit, gain industry-recognized credentials and participate in work-based learning experiences that help prepare them for life after graduation. 

The contract extension provides continuity of leadership as GCS builds on its academic progress, advances the Guilford Guarantee and continues its work to transform learning and life outcomes for all students.