Information from the Gaston County Board of Education
July 13, 2026
With the start of school in one month, Gaston County Schools is preparing to operate W. Blaine Beam Intermediate School in Cherryville for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Carlene Falter, the current assistant principal at Costner Elementary School in Dallas, has been selected to serve as the principal at Beam Intermediate, replacing Lynn Whiteside who retired at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. School district leadership is working with Beam Intermediate’s new principal to ensure the school is ready when school begins on August 12.
The Gaston County Board of Education considered three options related to the proposed consolidation of W. Blaine Beam Intermediate School (grades 4-5) with Cherryville Elementary School (grades K-3) and John Chavis Middle School (grades 6-8). Click the link below for background information about the consolidation-related measures.
On June 15 during the Board’s regular monthly meeting, the item related to school consolidation was removed from the agenda as school officials continue to work with county leadership on additional operational funds for Gaston County Schools. The Board believes the conversations with county leaders have been productive and appreciates the continued opportunity to work together on school funding.
After deciding on June 15 to delay taking action on consolidation, the Board intends to review possible consolidation-related measures and cost-saving options countywide – this will include a review of facilities, capacity, and attendance zones for all schools in the Cherryville feeder area (Cherryville Elementary, Tryon Elementary, Beam Intermediate, John Chavis Middle, and Cherryville High) as well as other school feeder areas.
The school district is moving forward with implementing consolidation-related measures for 2026-2027 affecting 1) the Gaston Early College High School and Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences and 2) the Gaston Virtual Academy and McAdenville Elementary School and Stuart W. Cramer High School.
By considering future consolidation-related measures, the Board seeks to be a good steward of taxpayer funds through the efficient use of school facilities. Saving money is a goal for the Board, and it can be accomplished by maximizing resources and programs, reducing duplicated personnel, and improving overall operations while maintaining a high-level commitment to academic achievement and school safety.
The Board of Education regular meeting scheduled for July 20 has been canceled. The Board’s next regular meeting will be held on August 17 with committee meetings scheduled for August 3.