December 15, 2025 Gaston County Board of Education Meeting

The Gaston County Board of Education held its regular meeting on December 15, 2025. Key procurement-related discussions included the Operations Committee report, which covered several contract considerations such as an amendment to the trash removal contract, HVAC replacement and skylight panel tenting at Forest View High School and Cramerton Middle School, and easements related to Chapel Grove, Cramerton Middle School, and Hunter House. The committee also discussed the selection of architectural services for construction management at risk. Budget challenges were highlighted, including a $7.2 million decrease in low wealth funding and unfunded state mandates, prompting the board to implement a temporary hiring freeze to manage fiscal constraints. Additionally, the Curriculum and Instruction Committee presented a reading grant from First Presbyterian Church for Sherwood Elementary and requested adjustments for exceptional children services. The board unanimously approved the 2026-2027 academic calendar option C, which includes professional development days for teachers. Policy updates were also approved, including a new wireless communication device policy compliant with state law. The meeting concluded with a closed session for legal and personnel matters.