Eskridge 4 Education

💭Food for Thought…

If families are choosing schools outside of the district or other options, we should ask ourselves why.

I believe every school in Gaston County should be a school of choice. No parent wants to gamble with their child’s eduction. I remember making that tough decision when my son was headed into 7th grade. Today, he’s 27, has an MBA, and a successful career. I don’t play about education, and I bet you don’t either.

Every parent wants safe schools, strong academics, supported teachers, and opportunities that prepare students for college, careers, and life.

What would need to change for every school in Gaston County to become a school of choice? I know we can get there.

🚨Top 3 Takeaways from Today’s BOE Operations Committee Meeting🚨

1. School Consolidation Option C Remains on the Table

Option C for the consolidation of schools in Cherryville is still under consideration (see slides). This proposal will be presented at a hearing on June 11th and up for a vote on June 15th.

2. Staffing, RIFs, and Vacancies Update

Beth Suber provided an update on reductions in force (RIFs), vacancies, and staffing for next school year.

Key highlights:
• 2 media specialists and 14 school counselors will be hired.
• 151 retirements will impact staffing for the 2026-27 school year.
• Employees continue to submit retirement paperwork daily.
• Since the hiring freeze was implemented in April, 160 separations have been entered into Oracle. (These are not actual layoffs, but employees leaving for various reasons.)
• Hiring managers are currently allowed to post up to 50% of vacancies while budget discussions continue.
• The largest staffing reductions are at the secondary level, while elementary schools have the highest number of openings.
• Additional job fairs are planned in the coming weeks to help fill vacant positions.

Beth Suber confirmed that the staffing fluctuations and vacancy activity we are seeing are not atypical for the year.

Mr. Crisp emphasized that the district is following state protocols related to RIFs and rehires. Beth Suber explained that positions are eliminated to terminate the contract tied to that position, and employees may then be rehired into a different role. While the superintendent has the authority to reassign employees, that is not typically the process used.

My Opinion: The board and district leadership should do a better job communicating this process to the public. Without context, it can appear that employees are being laid off while dozens of positions remain open, leaving many community members confused and frustrated. 😵‍💫

3. Progress on Academic Achievement

I always appreciate hearing updates from Associate Superintendent of Academic Services Tanya Kales and Chief Accountability Officer Kelly Cunningham, regarding the district’s academic improvement efforts.

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to meet with Ms. Kales and members on the team to learn more about the Innovation Schools strategy, including its origins, current progress, and goals for the future. I will continue to support her team and advocate for the resources needed to improve student outcomes.

I appreciate their focus on long-term academic improvement and their evidence-based approach to results. While I wish these efforts had started years ago, I am encouraged that there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel. I believe that every child can learn and every teacher can teach effectively in a supportive environment with the appropriate tools and resources.

I am eager to see what the 2025-26 report card reveals. Frankly, I am tired of talking about Gaston County’s low rankings on key academic indicators based on the 2024-25 data. We need a win!

Operations meeting agenda Monday June 1st at 12:30.

❓❓QUESTION OF THE DAY❓❓

If you couldn’t make it person, please TUNE IN with me!

Gaston County Board of Commissioners May 26, 2026 Gaston County Board of Commissioners May 26, 2026

❓❓QUESTION OF THE DAY❓❓