In Remembrance: Kemp A. Michael

Gaston County Schools remembers former Board of Education member Kemp Michael

Gaston County Schools acknowledges the passing of Kemp A. Michael, who served on the Gaston County Board of Education for 14 years, 1992-1994 and 1996-2008.

Click here for Mr. Michael’s obituary.

As a Board of Education member, elected official, and public servant, Mr. Michael answered the call of service to dedicate 14 years of his life to Gaston County Schools. Known as a strong advocate for public schools, Mr. Michael gave unselfishly of his time, knowledge, and resources to support public school education in Gaston County, and he worked relentlessly on behalf of the students, employees, and families of Gaston County Schools.

Mr. Michael was appointed to the Board of Education in 1992 to fill the unexpired term of Riverbend Township representative Charles W. Craig, who passed away in the fall of 1992. Mr. Michael was elected to the Board in 1996 as an at-large member, and served three, four-year terms as an at-large member.  

During his time on the Board, Mr. Michael collaborated with other Board members, the superintendent, school administrators, and community leaders to improve educational opportunities for children.  He served as the board chairman from 2000-2002, and most notably, he led the school system through the successful passing of an $89 million school bond referendum.  He also guided the school system through the strategic planning process, implementation of school safety initiatives, growth in academics with the addition of distance learning, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and programs focused on international studies, and the selection of a new superintendent in 2006.  

Mr. Michael also served on the Board during the planning and opening of Highland School of Technology, which quickly gained a reputation as one of the premier magnet schools in the state.  With every decision made, he worked diligently with the best interest of students, employees, and the community in mind.

In addition to his service on the Board of Education, Mr. Michael was a civic leader in Mount Holly, serving as the city attorney for almost 50 years and leaving his mark on the city’s growth, development, and image.  He served as president of the Mount Holly Rotary Club, was a member of First United Methodist Church of Mount Holly, earned the recognition of Mount Holly Man of the Year in 2013, and received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from the Governor in 2020.

Everyone associated with Gaston County Schools extends our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Mr. Kemp Michael during this difficult time of loss and sorrow.