By Dave Faherty for WSOC
There is new opposition to the proposed school district merger plan in Catawba County. Commissioners will vote next month on whether to combine Catawba, Hickory, and Newton-Conover schools into one district.
Some pastors in the Hickory area say they plan on attending that meeting to voice their concerns. There are signs, including some that oppose combining the three districts, across Hickory.
Catawba County leaders say they are concerned about the growth in the Catawba County School District. Because of that, there are mobile class units at three elementary schools, including St. Stephen’s Elementary. “Some of the classrooms have 25-30 kids inside of them,” parent Davon Richardson said. “That’s a lot for one or two teachers.”
However, Catawba County leaders say student enrollment declines in Hickory and Newton-Conover Schools have led to an underutilization in the schools. Leaders say one of the challenges they’re facing is providing equal funding under the law for students in all three districts.
Outside Hickory High School, Lee Bogle says she’s against the idea for her son and other children in the district. “It’s going to take away a lot of programs for children who need it for advancement and additional help,” she said.
Bogle isn’t alone. The Greater Hickory Ministerial Alliance has come out against the idea, including Pastor David Roberts at Morning Star First Baptist.
“All they need is to be able to merge all three so they can get this money to build these new schools out that way,” Roberts said. “ That’s not what education is about. Every child is important.”
“I feel like it would be a good thing for all the schools, because especially the budgeting in Catawba County is very low, right now,” Hickory High parent Tevan Ikard said.
A date has been set for a vote in Catawba County to combine Hickory, Newton-Conover, and Catawba school districts into one.
Commissioners said it will help with budget shortages. Some parents have expressed concerns about students shifting schools.
They will hold a public hearing on April 20 and vote immediately after. Hickory City Schools says there will be extra expenses, including technology integration of $8 million-$12 million. The district also says school lines will be redrawn, and bus routes may be longer.