Deanna Baucom

This document outlines the Strategic Plan for Gaston County Schools, guiding the district's work for the next five years. It establishes the vision to inspire success and a lifetime of learning, and a mission to provide innovative educational opportunities in a safe and nurturing environment. The plan is structured around six key priorities: Academics that Build Pathways to Student Success, Sustainable Financial Stewardship, Efficient and Responsive Operations and Technology, Comprehensive Student Support, Talent and Workforce Development, and Effective Communication and Partnerships. It aims to achieve specific goals and objectives by 2030.

The document details a "Good News Recognition" segment of a board meeting, primarily honoring various groups and individuals within the school district. Specific recognitions included the Steuart W. Kramer High School girls golf team for finishing as 4A state championship runner-up, with individual achievements such as Winsley Crotz placing third and scoring a hole-in-one. The South Point High School girls golf team was also honored for winning back-to-back 5A state championships. Additionally, Elizabeth Woodruff, a student teacher at North Belmont Elementary School, was celebrated for being named the 2025 North Carolina High School Coral Teacher of the Year. Furthermore, five school cafeteria staffs (Belmont Central Elementary, Kataba Heights Elementary, Hawks Nest Steam Academy, Hunter Hus High School, and Ranken Elementary School) were recognized for consistently achieving a 100% health inspection rating since the 2018-2019 school year. The meeting concluded with the presentation of a proclamation for American Education Week, noting its observation dates.

The agenda for the meeting included the adoption of the agenda, a segment for 'Good News,' and a resolution regarding Coretta Scott King Book Awards Literature Week. Key action items involved the consent agenda, which covered recommended personnel actions, budget amendments and transfers, construction/repair change orders, a resolution to declare certain real property surplus, a sanitary sewer easement related to Forest Heights/1 Learning Place (Phase 2), and contracts including the replacement of the intercom system at Woodhill Elementary and a contract amendment for security vestibule design for Cherryville Elementary. The meeting also scheduled time for public expression, superintendent's comments, and a closed session to discuss consultation with the attorney and personnel matters.

The Board of Education Retreat included several substantive agenda items. Discussions covered the vision and mission statement of Gaston County Schools, which emphasizes inspiring success and providing innovative educational opportunities in a safe environment. Key agenda items included the State of the Schools Address, a presentation on Board Responsibilities and Roles delivered by legal counsel, an update on the Demographic Study, a Budget Discussion focusing on innovation, a Facilities Report and Plan addressing bond and capital work, a session on Student Support Services, and a review of Academic Services centered on college and career readiness for every student.

The board meeting agenda item reviewed focused on Human Resource Services. This included the superintendent's duty to recommend and the board's duty to elect personnel, as well as hearing requests for approved leave, retirement, resignations, or terminations, in accordance with established regulations. The action is deemed necessary and appropriate to assure the successful administration of schools.