Special to IFN
Local business owner Bob Gates was presented the N.C. School Boards Association Champion of Education Award on Wednesday, November 12.
The Champion of Education Award recognizes individuals whose dedication and support have made a significant, positive impact on public education.
Gates, the owner of Gates Construction and a lifelong pillar of the Mooresville community, was nominated for the award by the Mooresville Graded School District. He was chosen as the awards recipient from nominees across the state for the recognition.
“Bob Gates embodies the spirit of service and leadership, and we could not be prouder to see him recognized at the state level,” said MGSD Superintendent Jason Gardner. “His commitment to our students and staff is not just professional—it’s deeply personal and rooted in a family legacy of support. From welcoming every new teacher with a handshake to ensuring our kids have pathways to great careers, Bob has been a steadfast champion for Mooresville education.”
A Legacy of Leadership and Dedication
The nomination highlighted Gates’s extensive and impactful history with MGSD:
♦ Mooresville Foundation for Excellence in Education (MFEE): For 15 years, Gates served as president of the MFEE. Under his leadership, the Foundation established a program to provide a financial contribution to every new MGSD teacher, offering an immediate sign of support and encouragement.
♦ Expanding Student Opportunity: Gates’s vision through the MFEE has provided critical scholarships for students to attend the summer science camp, ensuring no child is excluded due to financial reasons. Additionally, the Foundation has frequently offset costs for Career and Technical Education (CTE) experiences, removing financial barriers to exploring vital career pathways.
♦ Reviving Skilled Trades: Most recently, Gates is partnering closely with the MGSD CTE department in an effort to revive the district’s masonry program. He has been instrumental in securing financial support, lending industry connections, and offering his own expertise to assist in plans to re-establish this program, which will provide students with hands-on skills and direct access to well-paying trades.
♦ Personal Commitment: Known for fostering community, Gates makes it a priority to personally visit every school each year to welcome all new educators. His personal touch reinforces that education in Mooresville is a community built on relationships and shared responsibility.
A proud graduate of Mooresville High School, Gates has continued the family tradition of serving his community. His mother having served as an educator in the district.
MGSD extends its deepest gratitude to Bob Gates for his relentless dedication, which has left an indelible mark on the Mooresville Graded School District community.