HICKORY, N.C. (WHKY) — The North Carolina State Board of Education has approved a timeline for reviewing the proposed merger of Catawba County Schools, Hickory City Schools and Newton-Conover City Schools.

Hickory Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Griffin and Newton-Conover Superintendent Dr. Emily Shaw said the three school systems may submit briefs and supporting materials by October 5. The Catawba County Board of Commissioners will then have until October 26 to file a reply.

The proposal is scheduled to return to the State Board as a discussion item November 4 and 5. A hearing is planned for December 2 and 3, when each party will be allowed to present information and answer questions from board members.

The State Board is expected to deliberate and eventually vote after the hearing. The merger proposal has not received state approval. If approved, the county plan calls for the consolidated Catawba Valley School District to begin operating July 1, 2028.