Merger Information
Merger Update: April 20 Decision
The Catawba County Board of Commissioners voted on April 20 to move forward with the proposed merger of Hickory City Schools, Newton-Conover City Schools, and Catawba County Schools.
While this decision advances the proposal to the next stage, the merger is not final. The plan must still be reviewed and approved by the North Carolina State Board of Education before any changes can be implemented.
Hickory City Schools was not involved in the development of the County’s plan and continues to have concerns about the potential impact on students, staff, and the community. Available information indicates possible risks related to funding, staffing, and student assignment, which remain important considerations as the process continues.
Our focus remains on ensuring that students continue to receive strong educational opportunities, resources, and support throughout this process.
What Happens Next
- The merger proposal will be submitted to the North Carolina State Board of Education
- The State Board will review the plan and determine next steps
- No immediate changes to school assignments or operations will occur at this time
Community Engagement
Community input remains an important part of this process. Families and community members who wish to share their perspectives may contact the North Carolina State Board of Education here.
Why This Matters for Hickory Families
A merger would include:
- Extra expenses: Technology integration alone is projected to cost $8–12 million over 2–3 years. Legal fees, rebranding, and consolidating financial systems would add even more.
- Shift the tax burden: Teacher needs remain the same, but state funding decreases after two years, forcing counties to make up the difference.
- Reassign students: School lines would be redrawn, bus routes would lengthen, and students could lose connections with teachers and peers.
- Reduce Hickory’s voice: A countywide system would move decision-making further from our community, weakening local input.
The Hidden Costs
Even with fewer administrative positions, larger systems pay higher salaries. Federal funding like Title I, ESL, and CTE would shrink because poverty percentages are diluted in a larger system. Projected “savings” would not even cover the cost of building a single middle or high school in North Carolina.
How You Can Help
- Review and share our Merger Information Materials.
- Talk with your neighbors, coworkers, and family members about the impact of merger.
Our students, families, and community deserve to have the full story. Together, we can protect the future of education in Hickory.