Gaston County Schools Funding and Budget Deficit

Urged the board to fund public schools based on their original request rather than cutting classroom operations.

Highlighted cuts to school staff, librarians, nurses, and art programs, asking why education isn't prioritized.

Expressed concern over cuts to exceptional children's (EC) services and urged full funding for schools.

Discussed increased workloads on teachers due to understaffed support roles and asked for strong local school investment.

Shared classroom experiences regarding EC student needs, safety, and teacher retention.

Expressed worry over school conditions, teacher shortages, and the loss of support staff.

Stressed that schools shape the future workforce and asked commissioners to fully fund education.

Emphasized the trust children place in their teachers and the negative impacts of underfunding on school connections.

Encouraged commissioners to supplement the school budget to cover the $7.2 million shortfall caused by property valuation changes.

Spoke as a social worker about unmet student needs when school support positions are cut.

Shared student writing about the importance of learning and asked commissioners to increase school funding.

Described the catastrophic impact of eliminating 170 positions, arts teachers, and counselors at local high schools.

Asked leaders to collaborate across government bodies to find solutions for the school funding crisis.

A third-grade student spoke about crowded schools, trailer classrooms, and cut teacher assistant positions.

Expressed sadness over teacher cuts and asked commissioners to keep teachers and library programs funded.

Expressed heartbreak over teachers buying their own supplies and asked if commissioners work with state legislators.

Shared that her family is considering moving to another county due to public school cuts and underfunding.