REBIC – Gaston County. US News & World Report Ranks Them in Top 10 Best, And Other News….

All of these stories are featured in the Gaston Gazette. We featured these stories to bring you more news from around the region and the flutter of activity in Gaston is a snapshot of issues all municipalities should be prepared to face and modulate into a positive outcome.

BEST PLACES TO LIVE:

According to a US NEWS and WORLD report, Gaston placed 10th as the most sought-out county to relocate, which is based on online searches for specific locations.

For the full relocation rankings, see the U.S. News & World Report at realestate.usnews.com/home-services/moving/moving-trends.

SCHOOL DISTRICT AND BUDGET ISSUES:

Gaston has reported budget concerns that may bring changes to school choice programs and even redistricting in the coming years. At a board retreat in January, the district saw a presentation evaluating the efficacy of its school choice programs and a breakdown of enrollment numbers at each school along with projected population growth. No action was taken at the retreat, according to district spokesman Todd Hagans, but the information was shared as a starting point for board members to address changes in coming years.

In more recent years, the district has seen a decline in interest for select programs and an increase in others. For example, some schools like Hunter Huss High and W.C. Friday Middle saw a lower number of applications than others in the lottery for the 2025-26 school year. It is not currently clear which programs could be considered for elimination, readjustment or heavier investment.

The numbers presented showed several schools that are just under, at or over capacity. A full breakdown of student enrollment and school capacity shows some elementary and middle schools that are under capacity.

Hagans said the board did not discuss redistricting at the retreat but that the information presented will allow board members to make informed decisions about where to build new schools, redistricting or consolidation in the future where needs arise.

MAYOR VOTING NOW IN ALL FUTURE MEETINGS:

Gastonia City Council recently voted 4-2 to change the way its mayor will vote in future meetings. The decision brought an end to a discussion, which began at a meeting earlier in February, concerning whether the mayor should be allowed to vote all of the time or only in the event of a tie.

At recent meetings Councilwoman Donyel Barber argued that it is difficult to facilitate a meeting, ensure everyone has the opportunity to speak and maintain order while also, “having a dog in the race.” Councilman Demetrious Koutsoupias echoed that sentiment, in a sense, and said the council could use more order and direction in meetings, though in the end, he did not vote in the affirmative to change the city’s charter.

Councilman Jim Gallagher noted that Gastonia is one of only two municipalities in the state in which the mayor votes outside of a tie.

Rob’s Take: Clearly there’s a lot going on in Gaston County. Along with the immediate challenges — such as keeping up with and improving overall infrastructure that includes schools and roads — comes great opportunity to enjoy a lot of prosperity. And I’d say that despite some growing pains, things across the river appear to be headed in a good direction. REBIC is doing it’s part to insert itself into the hard and the important conversations where advocating for economic health and opportunity are most vital. Collaboration always works best when we all want the same things. We are happy to do our part to help them by being engaged in the community and offering solutions, and not just complaints. We hope that’s your aim as well. Let us know if you want to come join us in the conversation.