Gaston County Schools Board of Education Monday, January 8, 2024 Meeting 4:30 p.m. Special Meeting MINUTES  The Gaston County Board of Education meti in as special session on Monday, January 8, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. in the Board Room, 943 Osceola Street, Gastonia, NC. for the purpose of the appointment of a new superintendent. The meeting was live on Spectrum Cable Channel 21 and The Gaston County Board of Education YouTube page. Those Board Members in attendance were: Chairman Jeff Ramsey, Vice Chairman Dot Cherry, Josh Crisp, Lee Dedmon, Dot Guthrie, Tod Kinlaw, Robbie Lovelace, Brent Moore, Additional attendees include: Interim Superintendent Dr. Stephen Laws, Attorney Sonya McGraw, Interim Associate superintendent Dr. Beth Folger and Associate Superintendent Gary Hoskins, Chief Communications Officer Todd Hagans, Chief Technology Officer Aaron Slutsky and Board Clerk  and A.M. Stephens III.  Dana Luoto.  Chairman Ramsey called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. and welcomed everyone.  Agenda Adoption - Action  The Board considered Agenda Adoption - Action  Motion to adopt the Agenda as presented was made by Mr. Brent Moore; seconded by Mr. Lee Dedmon; Chairman Ramsey asked the Board to consider going into Closed Session under, N.C.G.S.S143- Motion to goi into Closed Session was made by Ms. Dot Cherry; seconded by Mr. A.M.Stephens III;motion  motion carried unanimously. (9-0) 318.11(a)(6) Personnel. carried unanimously. (9-0)  The Board wenti into Closed Session at 4:32 p.m. The Board returned to Open Session at 4:46 p.m.  Motion  The Motion was made by Mr. Brent Moore; seconded by Ms. Dot Cherry that the Board  Appoint Dr. Morgen Houchard to serve as Superintendent of Gaston County Schools effective February 19, 2024and approve the contract discussed in Closed Session  Discussion occurred  A vote was taken and motion to approve thei item as presented carried. (6-3) Opposed -  Mrs. Robbie Lovelace, Mr. Tod Kinlawa and Mrs. Dot Guthrie    Dr. Morgen Houchard expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Board for being chosen ast the next Chairman Ramsey thanked everyone for sharing this time with the Board and we look forward to February 19 when Dr. Houchard will begin as our new Superintendent. Until that time, we are thankful Chairman Ramsey announced that our nexti regular Board Meeting willl bei in conjunction with our Board  Superintendent for Gaston County Schools.  for Dr. Laws and Dr. Folger serving asi interims. Retreat on Friday, January 26, 2024.  Chairman Ramsey invited everyone to stay for the reception following the Board Meeting.  Adjournment  All business having been conducted, Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Lee Dedmon; seconded by  Mr. Josh Crisp motion carried unanimously. (9-0) The Board Meeting adjournedat504P p.m.  Approved:  Shairman  AhR  Date Approved: 214/2024