We, the undersigned citizens, parents, educators, taxpayers, alumni, and concerned residents of Catawba County, respectfully urge the North Carolina State Board of Education to reject or pause the proposed forced merger of Hickory City Schools, Newton-Conover City Schools, and Catawba County Schools until a full, independent third-party study is completed.

 

After a five-hour public meeting in which citizens spoke overwhelmingly against the proposal, county commissioners approved the merger plan despite widespread opposition. A motion to delay the vote and commission an independent study failed, even though many community members asked for more facts and transparency.

 

This proposal carries enormous consequences for students, families, teachers, and taxpayers. Yet major questions remain unanswered:

 

1. No Independent Comprehensive Study Was Conducted

 

Former superintendent Dr. Duane Kirkman stated:

“You conducted a study of facilities to support your goal to merge… We have asked repeatedly for a comprehensive merger study to include other impacted areas: state funding, federal funding, technology, human resource management, fiscal management systems, school safety funding, and salary schedules.”

 

Facilities alone are not enough. A merger of this scale requires analysis of academics, finances, staffing, transportation, governance, student services, and community impact.

 

2. Serious Concerns About Loss of Funding and Student Services

 

JG warned residents:

“This merger sends your tax dollars back to Raleigh and Washington instead of supporting students locally.”

 

“A merger will result in loss of programs and support for students.”

 

“We would lose millions each year.”

 

He also noted that from August through February alone, Hickory City Schools served more than 474,000 meals at no cost to families.

 

3. Community Voices Were Ignored

 

After four hours of public comments, only one speaker reportedly supported the merger. Yet commissioners proceeded with a prewritten speech in favor and voted to approve the plan.

Citizens deserve a process where public input matters.

 

4. Local Control and Representation Matter

 

Newton-Conover leaders described the proposal as a “hostile takeover,” arguing that elected local boards and communities should not lose control without consent or a demonstrated educational need.

 

Our Request

 

We ask the North Carolina State Board of Education to:

 

Reject or pause the proposed merger.

Require a fully independent third-party study.

Hold public hearings with all affected communities.

Demand transparent financial and academic impact data before any decision is made.

Protect student services, local representation, and educational stability.

This decision will affect thousands of children and families for generations. It must be based on facts, not haste.

 

Sign below to support a fair, transparent process for Catawba County students.