Parent Teacher Magazine Gaston County School March 2014 | Page 4

W. Jeffrey Booker takes the helm as
superintendent of Gaston County Schools
W. Jeffrey Booker officially took the helm of Gaston County Schools as the
district’s new Superintendent of Schools on Janaury 1, 2014.
Booker, 51, is the seventh person to serve as the Gaston County Schools
superintendent since the school system formed in 1968. He succeeds L. Reeves
McGlohon, who retired effective December 31.
In November, the Gaston County Board of Education voted unanimously to
appoint Booker as the next Superintendent of Schools. He joined Gaston County
Schools in 2009 as Deputy Superintendent of Operations.
“It is an honor and privilege to serve as the new superintendent of Gaston
County Schools,” stated Booker. “I am extremely proud of our school system, and I
look forward to working with parents, employees, and the community to ensure that
all students have the resources they need to be successful.”
Booker hosted a series of county-wide meetings in February to gain input from
parents, students, employees and citizens. “This is an exciting time for Gaston
County Schools as our community comes together to plan for the future of public
school education in Gaston County,” added Booker. “Working together, we can set a
new path for Gaston County Schools – a path that leads us to being the best school
system in the state.”
As the new superintendent, Booker spent his first days on the job visiting
schools across the county, observing classroom lessons and activities, and meeting
with principals, teachers, and students.
“My focus is on the classroom,” explained Booker. “I want every child to
graduate and be ready for college and the global workforce. Academics are paramount in our pursuit of excellence. My pledge is to do
everything I can for Gaston County Schools and for the children of Gaston County.”
Booker has an extensive background and expertise in
finance, educational facilities, program management and
retirement investments. A graduate of the University
of Virginia’s prestigious McIntire School of Commerce,
Booker has a concentration in finance and additional
coursework in management and leadership.
Prior to joining GCS, Booker served as assistant vice
president of Carolinas HealthCare System in Charlotte
from 2005-2009 and principal of LWA Associates in
Cramerton for nine years.
Active in numerous professional and community
organizations, Booker is a member of the North Carolina
Association of School Administrators, Association of
Supervision and Curriculum Development, North Carolina
Principals and Assistant Principals Association, North
Carolina Cash Management Association, the Gaston
County Economic Development Commission, and Gaston
Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Booker lives in Gastonia and is married to Rhonda
Collins Booker. They have three children: a daughter,
who attends Appalachian State University, and two sons
– one is a student at Cramerton Middle School and the
other attends Forestview High School. An active church
member, he attends Grace Covenant Church and serves
as an Elder.

“My pledge is to do everything I can for the children of Gaston County.”

-W. Jeffrey Booker
Superintendent of Schools

2 • March/April 2014 • Parent Teacher Magazine