News

Hickory City Schools Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Griffin has announced the appointment of Greg Keys as the district’s new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). The Hickory City Board of Education confirmed the appointment at its meeting on March 9, 2026. Keys will officially begin his role on May 11, 2026.

Northview Middle School claimed first place at the Catawba Book Bash Middle School Battle of the Books competition held Tuesday, March 10, at the Newton-Conover City Schools Central Office in Newton, NC, finishing 1st among eight middle school teams after 10 rounds of competition.

Oakwood Elementary claimed first place at the Hickory City Schools Elementary Battle of the Books competition held March 9 at Grandview Middle School.

Hickory City Schools extends its sincere appreciation to the Rotary Club of Hickory for honoring eight outstanding students from Hickory High School and Hickory Career & Arts Magnet High School (HCAM) as Students of Distinction.

Below is the Superintendent’s Report from the Monday, February 23, 2026 Board of Education meeting, presented by Dr. Jennifer Griffin.

This week, February 23–27, we join districts across the nation in celebrating Public Schools Week. It is an opportunity to recognize the incredible impact of public education and to celebrate the students, educators, staff, families, and community members who make Hickory City Schools such a special place. Public schools are the heart of our community, and we are proud of the opportunities we provide for every child we serve.

Below is the Superintendent’s Report from the Monday, February 9, 2026 Board of Education meeting, presented by Dr. Jennifer Griffin.

The past two weeks have reminded us how quickly plans can change. Multiple snow and ice events required careful monitoring of road conditions and thoughtful decision-making to ensure the safety of our students and staff. I am deeply grateful to our transportation, maintenance, communications, and school leadership teams who worked diligently—often in the early morning hours—to guide our district safely through these weather events.

Hickory City Schools is proud to announce that Maddix I., a 7th grader at Grandview Middle School, has emerged as the champion of the 2026 district spelling bee held on Friday, January 16, at Northview Middle School.

As we reach the end of this semester, I want to take a moment to thank each of you—our students, staff, families, and community—for your hard work, dedication, and spirit throughout the year. You have truly embodied what it means to be Rooted & Rising—staying grounded in our shared values while continuing to grow, learn, and reach new heights together.

Hickory City Schools is proud to announce that Saraia Surratt, Exceptional Children (EC) Teacher at Grandview Middle School, has been named the Hickory City Schools EC Educator of Excellence for the 2025–2026 school year. This distinguished recognition honors Ms. Surratt’s exceptional service, leadership, and commitment to supporting students with disabilities.

The Catawba County Board of Commissioners is currently discussing the possibility of merging Hickory City Schools, Newton-Conover City Schools, and Catawba County Schools into one countywide district. While some believe a merger could bring efficiency, research and experience show that mergers do not save money long-term and can create significant challenges for students, families, and taxpayers.

Below is the Superintendent’s Report from the Monday, September 22, 2025, Board of Education meeting, presented by Dr. Jennifer Griffin.

We continue to make significant progress toward submitting our Needs-Based Capital Grant for the replacement of Hickory High School and the co-location of HCAM. We are grateful that Catawba County has released an additional $21 million to support this phase of the project, allowing us to move forward with confidence. This is a tremendous step toward addressing long-overdue facility needs and creating modern, future-focused learning environments for our students. We will formally present the grant application at the specially called board meeting on Monday, September 29th. This represents exciting momentum, and I am proud of the collaboration that has brought us to this point.

Hickory City Schools is proud to announce that Grandview Middle School has been awarded the Global Leaders Journey designation, a prestigious recognition of the school’s commitment to preparing students for a global future. This honor is made possible through Grandview’s innovative partnership with Participate Learning, a global education organization known for its Global Leaders framework, mission-based efforts, and dedication to preparing future- and career-ready students.

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) has released the accountability results for the 2024-2025 school year, and Hickory City Schools is proud to celebrate key areas of progress while remaining committed to continuous improvement for every student.

On Monday, August 25, the Hickory City Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution requesting a study on the financial impact if Catawba County’s three school districts were ever to merge. This study differs from the one Catawba County expects to receive in September regarding enrollment and capacity in Hickory City Schools.

Back-to-school season is a time of excitement, fresh starts, and renewed purpose. At Hickory City Schools, we are ready to welcome students back into our classrooms—spaces filled with possibility, care, and learning.

As Superintendent, I witness every day the extraordinary work happening across our district. Hickory City Schools—and local public schools across North Carolina—are not only preparing students for academic success but equipping them with the tools they need for life.

The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is back for the 2025-2026 school year — which means ALL students will receive breakfast and lunch at no cost each school day.

Hickory City Schools is proud to congratulate Paige Walker, a Health Science Educator at Hickory Career and Arts Magnet High School, on being selected as a finalist for the prestigious North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) Career & Technical Education (CTE) Teacher of the Year award.

Bid Notice

Hickory City Schools Board of Education
Northview Middle School Building Envelope Repairs

Hickory City Schools, North Carolina is seeking bids from General Contractors for the above-referenced project.

Project Description: The project involves the replacement of through-wall flashing, masonry control joints, and three windows, as well as mortar repointing at the existing Northview Middle School.

Hickory City Schools (HCS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Faith Cope as the district’s new Chief Financial Officer, effective June 17, 2025. Cope brings eight years of experience in school finance and a strong background in accounting and financial management.

Hickory City Schools is committed to ensuring that all students have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer. The district’s School Nutrition Department will provide meals at no cost to children 18 years old and younger.