NC school boards face merger, finance, and new state mandates

The State Board of Education will decide in December on a county-commission-ordered Catawba County school merger, potentially beginning in 2028 with an appointed interim board and delayed elections; Hickory and Newton-Conover leaders oppose it. School systems are also confronting budget pressure, contracting changes, and implementation of the new requirement allowing students to leave school for weekly religious instruction, first highlighted in Wake County.