By Miles Layton

GATESVILLE — The Gates County Board of Education approved personnel recommendations, reviewed budget resolutions and heard an extensive multi-part presentation on potential school consolidation during its most recent meeting, Monday, Feb. 9.

Photo from Gates County Schools shows the band’s award winners — more about that below.

Personnel Approved

The board approved the following personnel actions:

• Jawan Riddick – Head Varsity Football Coach
• In School and Afterschool Tutors: Ashley Parker, Zachelle Jefferson, Juliette McKinney, Haliley Hedgepeth, Shaland Beamon and Antoinette Griffin
• Transfers: Jamie Cherry – Head Coach, Varsity Boys Coach; Renaldo Windham – Director of Testing & Accountability, beginning March 1, 2026
• Volunteers: Katelyn Lamb, Margaret Rountree and Jordan Brake
• Resignations: Yvonne Eason and Susie Hughes

Six people were interviewed for the head football coach position, with Riddick receiving the highest rating from the committee tasked with recommending a coach, said Leslie Byrum, chairman of the Board of Education.

Riddick will lead the Red Barons following legendary coach Matt Biggy’s promotion to the Athletic Director at Gates County High School. 

Before being offered the coach position, Riddick served as the recreation program coordinator at the Gates County Community and Recreation Center. Albemarle Observer will follow up with a future story introducing Riddick to the community.   

More good news — Congratulations to Mrs. Leigh Morgan-Rolling and the Central Middle School and Gates County High School students.  They attended the 2026 NCBA Eastern District All-District Band.  The following students placed:  Amanda Rountree – 7th Chair Clarinet, Anne Lee – 3rd Chair Flute, Carleigh Williams – 2nd Chair Mallet Percussion, Trinity Eure – 1st Chair Mallet Percussion, and Natalie Heckenliable – 1st Chair Tuba all under the direction of Mrs. Leigh Morgan-Rolling.

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Consent Agenda and Transportation Study

The board approved the consent agenda, which included a field trip to Jamestown for Gatesville School; the “Viking Madness” fundraiser at Central Middle School; a school dance fundraiser and field trips for Gates County High School to Fort Caswell, the USS Wisconsin, HOSA and Scrubs Plus; and loans of $30,000 from the General Fund to cover daycare expense overages.

One item was removed from the consent agenda: a draft proposal from the Institute for Transportation Research and Education. The board voted to proceed only with the East-to-West version of the county, at a cost of $3,000 to $4,000.

The transportation analysis would “establish the boundary lines for East West scenario,” “reassign current students,” “update and develop the elementary school bus routes under that scenario,” and “provide that information related to changes in student ride times, early, late, stop times, total hours, daily miles and daily drive hours.”

Budget Resolutions and RIF

The board approved Budget Resolutions Federal and State #4 and County #2.

Board members also voted to RIF an employee based on classification, beginning March 1. 

Byrum said the district “finally got the budget and we only received 60% of what we requested.”

Future meeting dates were set: a work session on March 6 to inform the new board member who won in the Eure District on the Consolidation, and a regular board meeting on March 9, at Gatesville School, when the board will vote on consolidation.

Four-Prong Consolidation Presentation

During a work session meeting, administrators delivered what was described as a “four prong presentation” covering reduction in force, informational session comments and surveys, departmental information and options for consideration.

Superintendent Barry Williams said, “Whether we consolidate or not, we’re gonna have to go into a reduction in force.”

Williams said grounds for reduction in force include a system reorganization, a financial exigency, and the declining enrollment. 

“We fit all three of those requirements, or criteria to go into a reduction in force.”

The district has created a spreadsheet with work performance evaluation ratings, area of the licensure, program enrollment, service in duty positions, length of service, and degree level.

The timeline could allow action as early as April. 

Enrollment and Class Size Data

Administrators presented current and projected enrollment and class size figures. Kindergarten projections were estimates. 

Officials emphasized that projected consolidated class sizes were assumptions. 

Administrators noted that even without consolidation, RIFs would still occur.

Survey Results and Public Comments

During public comments and informational sessions, “numerous community members and staff shared their perspectives regarding school consolidation.”

Concerns included “benefits of small school settings, personalized instruction, strain on the staff, increased transportation times and long term impacts over short term savings.”

Negative impacts discussed were “class sizes, student support, staff retention and school culture.”

Questions were raised “about cost savings, renovation expenses, Title One implications and reasoning for the declining enrollment.”

Survey data showed strong opposition — There is a strong majority with 70% that are opposed to the consolidation of the three elementary schools.”

When asked about benefits, “53.57% says, I don’t see any benefits to consolidation of the three schools.” The next most cited potential benefit was cost savings at 36%.

The most important evaluation factors included “academic program quality,” “maintaining small class size,” “preserving the neighborhood schools,” “staff retention,” and “community input.”

When asked about alternatives, “60% was seeking additional funding,” followed by “implementing cost cutting measures that keep all three schools open” at 44% and “redistricting, without closing schools” at 40%.

On whether adequate information had been provided, 38% said somewhat yes, 35% completely and 20% not really.

Financial Impact: Option Comparisons

Administrators outlined three options.

Option One: Keep all three elementary schools open and make personnel cuts through a RIF.

Savings would total approximately $520,000, including two elementary teachers, one middle school teacher, one high school teacher, one certified district position, one classified position and two central office positions.

“Option one is RIF only,” administrators said. Option one “would allow time for other considerations,” preserve school communities and allow time to monitor potential housing development and enrollment changes.

Option Two: Close one elementary school and wait at least one year before transitioning.

A RIF would occur in 2026–27 with additional reductions in 2027–28 after consolidation. Total savings would reach approximately $840,000.

Option Three: Close one elementary school for the 2026–27 school year.

Under consolidation, reductions would include four elementary teacher positions, one middle school position, one high school position, two other certified positions, five classified positions and two central office positions, totaling approximately $840,000 in savings.

Administrators stressed neutrality with the options presented having nothing to do with their personal opinion.

Facility Costs

Facility needs were discussed extensively.

If three schools remain open, continued work under the 10-year facility needs study would proceed. However, major upgrades are needed at Gatesville Elementary.

Replacing mechanical equipment at Gatesville Elementary was estimated at $2,485,900. The system includes “40 pump units,” rooftop units and split systems that are “27 28 years old.”

Hydronic piping replacement was recommended to prevent leaks. Lighting replacement in corridors would cost approximately $84,800, with additional LED upgrades in classrooms estimated at $560,000.

Parking lot adjustments at consolidated sites could cost roughly $70,000 per campus.

At Buckland Elementary, modifying the cafeteria by demolishing the boiler room and expanding space was estimated at $330,000.

When asked whether funds are available, officials said, “We do not.”

Food service needs were also discussed. Gatesville would need a dishwasher at an estimated $75,000. Central Middle School also needs one.

Staffing shortages in school nutrition were noted. “We are currently working under staff, all three elementary schools, they only have three employees. Four is ideal.”

Transportation remains short “probably four or five drivers short right now.”

Conclusion

The board will hold a work session March 6 and vote on consolidation March 9 at Gatesville School.

Superintendent Williams emphasized the weight of the decision. “Whether we consolidate or not, we’re gonna have to go into a reduction in force.”

The coming weeks will determine whether Gates County maintains three elementary schools or moves toward consolidation to address financial pressures and declining enrollment.