sentences:  The system is governed by the nine-member Gaston County Board of Education which sets policy and establishes guidelines for school operations.Board members are elected on a nonpartisan, county wide basis, with seven representatives chosen from the six townships and two members selected at-large.Gaston County Schools has 54 public schools, including 9 high schools, 11 middle schools, 32 elementary schools, one alternative school (middle and high school age), and one separate school (Webb Street School in Gastonia) serving students ages 3 to 22 with moderate to severe disabilities.