After parents push back, school consolidation plan will not move forward in Gaston County

GASTON CO., N.C. – Gaston County Schools will not move forward with a controversial consolidation plan. District leaders say they will continue to operate W.B. Beam Intermediate during the upcoming school year.

It comes after community pushback over a plan to close the school and move fourth graders to Cherryville Elementary and fifth graders to John Chavis Middle School. The district said the plan would save money and fill up empty space at under-utilized schools.

The school board will now instead review possible consolidation and cost-saving options across the entire county.