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Teachers, parents and community groups press Gaston board on reprimand, transportation, Juneteenth and LifeWise request
Summary
Multiple public commenters on Nov. 17 urged the Gaston County Board of Education to address a teacher reprimand and morale, chronic bus driver shortages, inclusion of Juneteenth in curriculum, and community interest in an off‑campus religious release program, LifeWise Academy.
At the Gaston County Board of Education meeting on Nov. 17, a steady stream of public speakers pressed the district on teacher treatment, transportation gaps, curriculum inclusion of Juneteenth and community interest in LifeWise Academy.
Melody Hill, a teacher at Hawks Nest STEAM Academy, described receiving an official reprimand over absences tied to COVID and necessary medical appointments after more than 23 years in the classroom. "I wasn't on vacation. I was sick," Hill said. She said she continued preparing plans and arriving early while recovering and framed the reprimand as emblematic of morale problems that contribute to staffing shortages. "What teachers need is compassion, trust and understanding from our leaders," she told the board.
Speakers also raised curriculum issues. Latasha White, founder and…
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