Guilford County leads regional push for remote learning waiver amid prolonged winter weather
Superintendents from school districts across the Piedmont are asking state lawmakers for additional flexibility on remote learning days as prolonged winter weather continues to make in-person instruction unsafe. The effort is being led by Guilford County Schools after many districts exhausted the state’s five-day maximum for remote learning earlier this winter.
In a formal request sent to House Speaker Destin Hall and Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, Guilford County Schools outlined the growing challenges districts face following multiple winter weather events, including early December storms and this week’s extended ice conditions. With another winter storm impacting the region over the weekend, districts say they are left with few options to maintain both safety and instructional continuity.
According to the letter, Guilford County Schools has already used more than 120,000 pounds of ice melt this winter. While the North Carolina Department of Transportation has provided emergency supplies, commercial salt and ice melt remain in short supply statewide. Persistent low temperatures have further complicated conditions, with pavement temperatures staying below 20 degrees for extended periods and only a few hours each day rising above freezing, rendering salt brine largely ineffective.
Facilities crews across the region have worked around the clock using district staff and contractors, but officials say weather conditions and material shortages limit how much progress can be made. District leaders also pointed to geographic disparities, noting that while some major roadways may be passable, many suburban and rural areas remain unsafe for buses, staff and families.
Under state law, the State Board of Education has authority to grant flexibility during emergency conditions. However, district leaders are asking lawmakers to take action to expand allowable remote learning days and to provide emergency funding for critical materials such as road salt and ice melt.
Superintendents from Alamance-Burlington, Asheboro, Caswell, Davidson, Davie, Mount Airy, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry, Thomasville City, Winston-Salem/Forsyth and Yadkin joined Guilford County in support of the request. Lexington City Schools, which is currently searching for a new superintendent, was not listed among the districts participating in the request.
District leaders emphasized that student and staff safety remains the top priority and that additional flexibility would allow schools to continue instruction without forcing families and employees to travel in hazardous conditions.
The group has indicated it is prepared to provide further documentation or meet with legislators to discuss the request in more detail as winter weather continues to impact much of the state.
