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Cherryville, NC (WNN) - Parents of Cherryville's W.B. Beam Intermediate School received letters today, March 4th, 2026, regarding discussions of closing the school and relocating students in the future. The letter from Principal Lynn Whitesides stated that during Monday's Board of Education Committee Meeting, a feasibility study for Beam Intermediate was discussed. Two questions were asked:
▪ The study would look at reconfiguring grade levels, asking the question: "Is it possible for Cherryville Elementary to serve grades K-4 and Chavis Middle to serve grades 5-8?"
▪ The study also would look at what to do with Beam Intermediate, asking the question: "Is it possible for the Beam Intermediate buildings to become part of Cherryville High School since the high school's baseball and football fields and main gym are here?"
W.B. Beam Intermediate School was built using existing structures from Cherryville's former High School, along with new classrooms, and opened in 2004.
Gaston County Schools are experiencing funding losses from the state due to recent property appraisals. Rising property values have made Gaston County ineligible for "Low Wealth Supplemental Funds," resulting in a funding reduction of over $7 million. Currently, Gaston County Schools is under a hiring freeze and in the process of eliminating positions.
In a statement to WNN, Gaston County School Board Cherryville Representative, Beverly "Robbie" Lovelace, stated:
"As the GCS Board of Education Cherryville Township representative, it is my duty to exercise the wishes of our community and always fight for the betterment of our students. I must admit that I was blindsided on Tuesday morning, March 3rd, 2026, when Cherryville City Leadership personnel and concerned citizens started phoning and texting about the BOE voting to close Beam Intermediate during our meeting on March 2nd, 2026. First and foremost, the BOE meets on the third Monday of each month, but the Operations and Curriculum meetings were both held on Monday, March 2nd, which is scheduled for the first Monday of each month. I am assigned to the Curriculum Team, but I was unfortunately absent due to illness. Any time a member is absent, another committee member or the Board Clerk relays information to the absent member, but this did not occur due to time constraints.
I immediately spoke with Superintendent Houchard on Tuesday, who shared with me the discussions that were presented during the two meetings on Monday, March 2nd.
Dr. Houchard asked that a study be conducted across three schools in GCS to determine whether consolidating with other community schools would be feasible due to the budget constraints our district is experiencing. Beam Intermediate is one of three schools that will be studied.
After additional discussions with Superintendent Houchard and relaying a message from Cherryville City Manager Brian Dalton, it was decided that absolutely NO mobile classrooms would be part of the future for these students.
We must remain vigilant to avoid overcrowding, as our students' and employees' best interests must be our priority at all times! In addition, we must be aware that, due to additional homes being built in the Cherryville Community, we never want to put ourselves in a position of having to fill our schools to the maximum as a result of consolidation.
I know this is a feasibility study, and many pieces of this unforeseen puzzle must fall into place. Still, I will always FIGHT for what is best for the students and teachers in the Cherryville Township!" - Beverly "Robbie" Lovelace, Gaston County School Board Member, Cherryville Township.
The town of Cherryville is experiencing growth with over 1,000 new homes and apartments on the drawing board.
According to sources, a formal board vote would be required and would be part of a public hearing process that includes community input. No timeline has been given for the process. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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