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Gastonia, NC (WNN) - On Monday, April 20, 2026, the Gaston County School Board of Education held its regular meeting at 5:30 PM at the Central Office on Osceola Street. After opening with "Good News" and other agenda items, the board moved into Public Expression.
While the board policy typically allows 30 minutes for public expression, members made a motion to add a 15-minute extension, bringing the total to 45 minutes and adding five more speakers to the Public Expression segment. Each speaker was allowed to present their concerns to the school board. Here's what they had to say:
Six community members addressed the controversial social media post made by Todd Kinlaw. Multiple citizens requested Kinlaw's resignation and/or censorship, arguing that the post conflicts with school board policies on discrimination and harassment and could create a harmful environment for students. Community members also mentioned another social media controversy with a previous teacher, Holly Ackerman, who was fired in November 2025, for remarks pertaining to the death of Charlie Kirk. Kinlaw has asserted his right to free speech regarding his social media post, and Ackerman's supporters claim she should have the same right.
"Calling for your resignation is not an extreme. It is the bare minimum required to begin restoring trust, because leadership without accountability is not leadership. It's privilege." - Sean Bates, NAACP President.
Parents, teachers, and community members spoke about the impact of budget cuts. Concerns centered on the layoffs of over 100 staff members across the county. Speakers addressed the strain it would place on the classroom and its teachers, who are expected to do more with fewer resources.
Although fewer speakers addressed the possible closure of Beam Intermediate in Cherryville, their comments strongly resonated with the community. Cherryville resident and parent Tyler Beam pointed to a lack of transparency, noting that even Cherryville's own township member Robbie Lovelace was unaware that the school was at risk.
Fourth-grade student Eli Christy read an essay expressing concern about younger students being placed in a middle school environment, questioning both safety and age-appropriate behaviors. Christy also noted that younger students would be deprived of opportunities, such as clubs and activities, that are not offered at the middle school.
Cherryville Mayor Wade Stroupe echoed these concerns, advocating for equal opportunities for all students and criticizing the lack of communication and transparency with the community.
"Every student in Gaston County deserves that. Every fourth and fifth grader. Cherryville deserves that. Eli Christy deserves that." - Wade Stroupe, Cherryville Mayor.
WNN reporter Rusty Wise interviewed Gaston County Schools Superintendent Dr. Houchard and Cherryville Township Robbie Lovelace regarding the timeline for the potential closure.
Wise: We're here with Dr. Houchard who is the superintendent for Gaston County Schools, and it's a busy night tonight. Had a packed house. What did you think about tonight?
Houchard: It's good to see so many citizens turn out for one of our board meetings.
Wise: Got a few questions about Cherryville, you know, Beam Intermediate School with the potential closing. One thing I have to ask is you guys went ahead and approved the budget to present to Gaston County, but not knowing the feasibility study; what dollar amount that may or may not save. Is that normal protocol to present a budget before you know cost savings on a particular school closing?
Houchard: Oh yeah. There's thousands of unknowns when you start a school year. And again, like I said earlier, not having a state budget, that's just a large one. So year, we start school years and budgets all the time with a lot of unknowns out there.
Wise: So the number you presented to Gaston County...that could fluctuate possibly? What if they don't give you enough? You're going to ask for more?
Houchard: Yeah, we're going to work through that process. Remeber this is a board request to the county commissioners, not a superintendent request. The board will do that.
Wise: Now, Gaston County does have the power to supplement funds or ask for supplemental funds from Gaston County. Correct?
Houchard: You mean the from the board to the county? Yes sir. That's correct.
Wise: Do you feel like you're asking enough, or the board's asking enought to keep competitive with surrounding counties?
Houchard: I think the board asked what they feel like they could get that wasn't too much. My budget was different than the board's, and I worked with the board and the board leadership, they came up with different numbers.
Robbie Lovelace Speaking About The W.B. Beam Potential School Closure Timeline
Robbie Lovelace expressed concern about moving younger students, like the 5th graders, into a middle school environment with younger students, saying their developmental needs and schedules haven't been fully considered. Lovelace suggests that Gaston County could reorganize grade levels to keep age groups more appropriate, though that might not save money amid the budget crisis. Lovelace emphasized the need for transparency, better communication with county commissioners, and more public input. When asked about her thoughts on the timeline presented at the meeting, Lovelace admitted she was scared. "I think it's being rushed."
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