Foster a safe and welcoming school environment by expanding access to comprehensive services that promote students’ academic, social, emotional, and physical well-being.

By 2030, Gaston County Schools will strengthen attendance, behavior, mental health, and support services to ensure that all students are ready to learn and thrive every day.

Students learn best when they feel safe, supported, and connected. Increasing access to comprehensive services improves attendance, supports mental and physical health, strengthens family engagement, reduces barriers to learning, and promotes positive school climate. Strong systems ensure that students receive the right support at the right time.

• Implement K–2 readiness classrooms and expand Exceptional Children (EC) services
• Strengthen Behavior Support Team (BST) through targeted training
• Expand mental health services within the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework
• Provide access to mental health supports for students and staff
• Increase counseling and intervention services
• Develop and launch physical health programs
• Provide resources to parents and families
• Track chronic absenteeism data and interventions
• Strengthen school-family communication practices
• Expand partnerships with community health providers

• Attendance rates
• Chronic absenteeism
• MTSS compliance
• Access to EC services and the least restrictive environments
• Referral volume, completion, follow-up
• Mental and physical health service use
• Student and family survey data

Short-Term (2025–2026)

• Expand mental health partnerships
• Strengthen counseling and intervention services
• Build data tracking systems for MTSS and attendance

Mid-term (2026-2028)

• Expand EC continuum with additional program options
• Implement school-based physical health programs
• Increase family resource access and communication
• Launch K-2 readiness classrooms

Long-Term (2028–2030)

• Achieve 95% attendance or higher
• Ensure 100% of schools meet MTSS thresholds
• Maintain least restrictive environment rates at 85% or higher
• Demonstrate sustained improvement in student well-being

How We Will Communicate Progress

• Attendance dashboards
• MTSS status reports
• Program enrollment and service use reports
• Family communication updates