Schools
Proposed School Merger Plan
The Catawba County Board of Commissioners is chiefly responsible for funding public school facility construction. Through its ongoing partnership with local school leadership, the Board is committed to assuring quality learning environments for all students across the county’s three public school systems.
Increasing student enrollment in Catawba County Schools has created a demand for more school classroom capacity, both now and over the long-term. At the same time, student enrollment declines in both Newton-Conover City Schools and Hickory City Schools, which have already led to significant under-utilization in existing school facilities, are projected to continue over the next decade. As a result of this student loss, both districts are expected to continue losing state operating funding at a rate that raises concerns regarding maintaining existing student services.
As the County came to recognize these factors, discussions began about how to maximize underutilized classroom and school facilities for the benefit of all students in the county. The County is required by state statute to fund all three systems on an equal per pupil basis, which is becoming increasingly problematic as the systems experience their own unique enrollment trends and associated funding implications. Driven by these dynamics, the Catawba County Board of Commissioners is evaluating the possibility of merging the three systems as a strategy to address school capacity needs.
Public Hearing and Vote on Proposed Merger Plan
Monday, April 20, 2026 - 7:00 pm
Board of Commissioners Meeting Room
Catawba County Justice Center
100 Government Drive
Newton, NC 28658
The Catawba County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing prior to its vote on a proposed school district merger plan during its regularly scheduled meeting April 20. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. and will be held in the Board of Commissioners Meeting Room at the Catawba County Justice Center, located at 100 Government Drive in Newton.
The Board of Commissioners is considering the merger to consolidate Catawba County Schools, Hickory City Schools, and Newton-Conover City Schools into a single county-wide school district. North Carolina state law requires the Board of Commissioners to develop a proposed plan establishing an effective merger date, a new governing board, and a transition process for the new district. This plan, which integrates feedback gathered through community meetings last fall, has been developed and will be voted upon by the Board of Commissioners April 20.
A link to the proposed school district merger plan is available below. A hard copy is available for review in the Catawba County Clerk’s office.
Supporting Materials
New additions:
Proposed School District Merger Plan
School Merger FAQs
Other:
Board of Commissioners Schools Community Meeting Presentatio
Catawba County Schools Master Plan
Catawba County Schools - Newton Conover City Schools Merger Possibilities
Hickory City Schools Enrollment and Capacity