GASTON CO., N.C. – The Gaston County Schools Board of Education delayed a vote on a controversial school consolidation plan Monday night. The proposal would close W.B. Beam Intermediate School, with one option moving fourth graders to Cherryville Elementary and fifth graders to John Chavis Midd le School. The district says the plan would save money and fill-up empty space at under-utilized schools. Board members now want to see if additional state or local funding might become available before making a decision. ...read more read less