Catawba County explores merger with Newton Conover amid transparency concerns

The Catawba County Schools Board of Education convened on June 23, 2025, to discuss several pressing issues, notably the potential merger with the Newton Conover School System. The meeting began with an update on the merger discussions, which have been ongoing but lacked transparency among board members.

A board member reported that a week prior, county commissioners had met with the Newton Conover Board of Education to discuss the merger. Following this, a meeting was held with county officials, including the county commissioner chair and the county manager, to outline the merger's potential. However, the board member noted that there is currently no definitive plan for the merger, as the Newton Conover School Board had expressed a desire to maintain its independence during public comments at their recent meeting.

The board discussed the need for improved communication regarding the merger. Several members expressed frustration over receiving information from external sources rather than through official channels. They emphasized the importance of transparency in discussions that could significantly impact the school systems involved. One member highlighted that they were unaware of the merger talks until contacted by constituents, indicating a gap in communication that needs to be addressed.

The board also touched on the county commissioners' recent closed session meeting, speculating on the reasons behind it. While acknowledging that closed sessions are legally permissible, members expressed a desire for clarity on the discussions that took place.

As the meeting concluded, board members reiterated the importance of being informed and included in future discussions about the merger. They agreed that ongoing communication is essential for making informed decisions that affect the educational landscape in Catawba County. The board plans to seek further updates and ensure that all members are kept in the loop as the situation develops.