As a member of the Hickory Board of Education, I am deeply committed to decisions that put our students first.

Recently, the discussion of merging our three school districts has intensified. While some argue that consolidation could bring efficiency, the reality is far different. A merger would burden taxpayers, weaken local decision-making, and ultimately harm our children’s educational experience.

Despite repeated claims of financial benefit, mergers in North Carolina and across the nation have consistently failed to deliver meaningful cost savings. Our board has requested a comprehensive financial study to verify potential savings in Catawba County, yet more than a month later, that request remains unanswered. Without transparency, how can we responsibly move forward with a decision o

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