Gaston County Schools Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Gaston County Schools has 5 executives leading key functions including technology infrastructure, administrative operations, financial management, and strategic communications.

Committed to academic excellence and student success, Gaston County Schools delivers comprehensive educational programs across North Carolina while preparing learners for future college and career opportunities.

Leadership Roles at Gaston County Schools

  • Interim Chief Financial Officer, Finance - Bryan Denton
  • Interim Chief Financial Officer - James Beckford
  • Chief Technology Officer - Curtis Poplin
  • Chief of Staff - Tom Nencetti
  • Chief Communications Officer - Todd Hagans
  • Bryan Denton - Interim Chief Financial Officer, Finance

    Bryan Denton, the Interim Chief Financial Officer, Finance at Gaston County Schools, manages the fiscal planning and budgetary oversight for the district. Denton architects financial strategies to allocate resources effectively across academic programs and facility maintenance. By monitoring revenue streams and expenditure reports, the Interim Chief Financial Officer, Finance ensures compliance with state and federal funding regulations. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board of Education to maintain long-term fiscal stability for the North Carolina district. Bryan Denton analyzes economic trends to forecast future funding needs and support district growth. Through the rigorous management of financial assets, Denton drives accountability and transparency in all monetary operations. The Interim Chief Financial Officer, Finance evaluates cost-saving measures to maximize the impact of educational investments. Ultimately, Denton secures the financial health necessary to sustain high-quality learning environments for all students.

    James Beckford - Interim Chief Financial Officer

    James Beckford, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at Gaston County Schools, oversees the procurement processes and payroll systems essential for district operations. Beckford manages the distribution of funds to support athletics, fine arts, and career technical education programs. By auditing financial records, the Interim Chief Financial Officer ensures that all expenditures align with the educational priorities of the district. This leadership role involves coordinating with external auditors and internal departments to maintain accurate financial reporting. James Beckford implements internal controls to prevent waste and improve the efficiency of resource allocation across the North Carolina region. Through the oversight of daily financial transactions, Beckford drives fiscal responsibility and supports the operational needs of schools. The Interim Chief Financial Officer monitors cash flow to ensure the timely delivery of services. Ultimately, Beckford maintains the financial integrity required to support the district's commitment to academic excellence.

    Curtis Poplin - Chief Technology Officer

    Curtis Poplin, the Chief Technology Officer at Gaston County Schools, directs the digital infrastructure and information systems supporting the entire district. Poplin architects scalable network solutions to facilitate modern classroom learning environments across all regional campuses. By managing cybersecurity protocols and hardware procurement, the Chief Technology Officer ensures data integrity for students and faculty. This leadership role involves integrating educational software into the curriculum to enhance academic outcomes. Curtis Poplin maintains alignment with district-wide goals by optimizing technical resources for teachers and administrators. Through the implementation of advanced digital tools, Poplin drives technological innovation within the North Carolina educational landscape. The Chief Technology Officer monitors system performance to guarantee uninterrupted access to essential learning platforms. Ultimately, Poplin secures the digital foundation necessary for student success in a competitive academic environment.
    Curtis Poplin

    Tom Nencetti - Chief of Staff

    Tom Nencetti, the Chief of Staff at Gaston County Schools, coordinates administrative operations and facilitates communication between the superintendent and district departments. Nencetti manages high-level projects to ensure organizational efficiency across the North Carolina school system. By overseeing internal workflows, the Chief of Staff aligns daily activities with the long-term strategic vision of the district. This leadership role involves resolving complex operational challenges and supporting the executive team in policy implementation. Tom Nencetti maintains clear channels of communication to foster collaboration among various academic and support divisions. Through the execution of administrative initiatives, Nencetti drives operational excellence and supports the overall mission of educational quality. The Chief of Staff monitors project timelines to ensure district objectives meet established benchmarks. Ultimately, Nencetti provides the structural support required for effective district management and student-centered decision-making.

    Todd Hagans - Chief Communications Officer

    Todd Hagans, the Chief Communications Officer at Gaston County Schools, directs the public relations strategy and community engagement initiatives for the district. Hagans architects messaging campaigns to highlight academic achievements and magnet program successes across the North Carolina community. By managing media relations and digital outreach, the Chief Communications Officer ensures consistent communication with parents, staff, and stakeholders. This leadership role involves crafting narratives that promote the district's commitment to college and career readiness. Todd Hagans coordinates with school leaders to share positive stories and maintain transparency regarding district policies. Through the development of comprehensive communication plans, Hagans drives public trust and strengthens the connection between the schools and the local population. The Chief Communications Officer monitors public sentiment to address concerns and celebrate student milestones. Ultimately, Hagans secures the district's reputation as a leader in educational excellence.
    Todd Hagans

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Gaston County Schools Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Gaston County Schools?
    Gaston County Schools is led by Bryan Denton (Interim Chief Financial Officer, Finance), along with executives such as James Beckford (Interim Chief Financial Officer) and Curtis Poplin (Chief Technology Officer).
    Who is part of Gaston County Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of Gaston County Schools includes leaders such as Bryan Denton (Interim Chief Financial Officer, Finance), James Beckford (Interim Chief Financial Officer), Curtis Poplin (Chief Technology Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Gaston County Schools have?
    Gaston County Schools has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Gaston County Schools’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Gaston County Schools includes roles such as Interim Chief Financial Officer, Finance, Interim Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Communications Officer.