Union County Schools Minutes

Board Work Session - 7/23/2026 - Work Session

7/22/2026

Attendees - voting members

Tony Hunter		Chair
Patrick White		Vice Chair
Janna Akins		Board Member
Julia Barnett		Board Member
Jason McCarter		Board Member

Attendees - other

Dr. John Hill

Superintendent

Call to Order
Chair Tony Hunter called the meeting to order.
Welcome Visitors and Invocation
Chair Tony Hunter welcomed visitors and guests. Chief Compliance Officer David Murphy gave the invocation.
Approval of Agenda
Motion to approve the agenda as submitted with a motion to move the Public Comment on the 7:00 PM Monthly Meeting to after the Consent Agenda and to add an Executive Session after the Principals Back to School Updates..
Motion made by: Julia Barnett
Motion seconded by: Jason McCarter
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Directors' Back-to-School Update
Technology Director Bill Driskell, Custodial Supervisor Mark Hughes, Transportation Director Kody Owenby, and Assistant Facilities Director Derrick Pruitt updated the Board and Community on the status of their departments over the summer and upcoming departmental needs over the next several years.
Executive Session
- To discuss or deliberate upon the appointment, employment, compensation, hiring, disciplinary action or dismissal, or periodic evaluation or rating of a public officer or employee or to interview applicants for the position of superintendent; (O.C.G.A. § 50-14-3(b)(2)).
Motion made by: Julia Barnett
Motion seconded by: Patrick White
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Reconvene
Motion made by: Janna Akins
Motion seconded by: Patrick White
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Adjournment
All business concluded, meeting adjourned.

Board Work Session - 6/11/2026 - Work Session

6/10/2026

Attendees - voting members

Tony Hunter		Chair
Janna Akins		Board Member
Julia Barnett		Board Member
Jason McCarter		Board Member

Attendees - other

Dr. John Hill

Superintendent

Call to Order
Chair Tony Hunter called the meeting to order.
Welcome Visitors and Invocation
Chair Tony Hunter welcomed visitors and guests. Chief Compliance Officer David Murphy gave the invocation.
Approval of Agenda
Motion to approve the agenda as submitted.
Motion made by: Janna Akins
Motion seconded by: Julia Barnett
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Awards & Recognitions

State Wrestling
Athletic Director Mandy Hunter and Head Wrestling Coach Justin Byers recognized the Wrestling Team for the following:

4th place

Thomas Gary

3rd place

Jada Taylor

2nd place

Eli Flowers

State Champions

Kevin Kilpatrick

Paxon Legatt (2 time state champion)

Assistant Coaches:

Jim Legatt

Holly Smith-Foot

Craig Flowers

Dave Brown

CTSO Awards and Recognitions
UCHS Principal Josh Davis recognized the Career and Technical Student Organization for the following:

Elizabeth Frizzell	TSA	1st Place Flight Endurance
Kamila Quintero Hatem	TSA	3rd Place Forensic Science
Ricky Maier	TSA	3rd Place Forensic Science
Payton Murphy	TSA	4th Place Flight Endurance
Caleb Sheffield	TSA	6th Place Electric Vehicle Rally Car #53 Advanced Battery
Gracian Sabo	TSA	6th Place Electric Vehicle Rally Car #53 Advanced Battery
Tyler Hawley	TSA	6th Place Electric Vehicle Rally Car #53 Advanced Battery
Trey Hawley	TSA	6th Place Electric Vehicle Rally Car #53 Advanced Battery
Kamila Quintero Hatem	TSA	6th Place Technology Bowl
Micah Hollowell	TSA	6th Place Technology Bowl
Ricky Maier	TSA	6th Place Technology Bowl
Kamila Quintero Hatem	TSA	6th Place Biotechnology
Adrian Quintero Hatem	TSA	6th Place Biotechnology
Elizabeth Frizzell	TSA	Top 10 State Finalists, Architectural Design
Payton Murphy	TSA	Top 10 State Finalists, Architectural Design
Sawyer Alexander	DECA	Financial Literacy Project - State Qualifier
Grace Lacy	DECA	Financial Literacy Project - State Qualifier
Bailey Pierce	DECA	Financial Literacy Project - State Qualifier
Katherine Barrett	DECA	Business Service Operations - State Qualifier
Emma Drury	DECA	Business Service Operations - State Qualifier
Isabel Lander	DECA	Business Service Operations - State Qualifier
Sion Carson	DECA	Career Development Project - State Qualifier
Samantha Odom	DECA	Career Development Project - State Qualifier
Jolie Schmitt	DECA	Career Development Project - State Qualifier
Ricky Maier	DECA	Food Marketing Series - State Qualifier
Anne White	EAP	Paraprofessional GACE
Campbell Burnette	EAP	Paraprofessional GACE
Micah Hollowell	EAP	Paraprofessional GACE
Kaden Lariscy	EAP	Paraprofessional GACE
Rilee Passmore	EAP	Paraprofessional GACE
Lluvia Salazar	EAP	Paraprofessional GACE
Trent Webster	EAP	Paraprofessional GACE
Harley Helton	EAP	Paraprofessional GACE
Laura Jane Daniell	EAP	Paraprofessional GACE
Tatumn Fisher	EAP	Paraprofessional GACE
Joanna Kay	EAP	Paraprofessional GACE

GaDOE Awards
UCMS Assistant Principal Kelly Helton recognized Kathryn Weaver with the GADoe ESOL award.
Extra Mile Award

Superintendent Update
Superintendent John Hill updated the Board and Community on the status of the District.
Executive Session
- To discuss or deliberate upon the appointment, employment, compensation, hiring, disciplinary action or dismissal, or periodic evaluation or rating of a public officer or employee or to interview applicants for the position of superintendent; (O.C.G.A. § 50-14-3(b)(2)).
- To consider a matter involving the disclosure of personally identifiable information from a student's educational records; (20 USC § 1232g).
- To consult and meet with legal counsel pertaining to pending or potential litigation, settlement, claims, administrative proceedings, or other judicial actions brought or to be brought by or against the school district or an officer or employee or in which the officer or employee may be directly involved; (O.C.G.A. § 50-14-2(1)).
Motion made by: Julia Barnett
Motion seconded by: Janna Akins
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Reconvene
Motion made by: Jason McCarter
Motion seconded by: Julia Barnett
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Adjournment
All business concluded, meeting adjourned.

Board Work Session - 4/23/2026 - Work Session

4/22/2026

Attendees - voting members

Tony Hunter		Chair
Patrick White		Vice Chair
Janna Akins		Board Member
Julia Barnett		Board Member
Jason McCarter		Board Member

Attendees - other

Dr. John Hill

Superintendent

Call to Order
Chair Tony Hunter called the meeting to order.
Welcome Visitors and Invocation
Chair Tony Hunter welcomed visitors and guests. Chief Compliance Officer David Murphy gave the invocation.
Approval of Agenda
Motion to approve the agenda as submitted.
Motion made by: Julia Barnett
Motion seconded by: Jason McCarter
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Awards & Recognitions/Culture and Climate

Extra Mile Award
Chief Academics Officer CT Hussion and Lead Nurse Kara Hollowell presented the Extra Mile Award to the members of the Lion Club for all they do for the District and Community.
UCHS Wrestling Team

Discussion Items/Organizational Excellence

Release-Time Learning Courses and Elective Credit
Chief Compliance Officer David Murphy and Jeff Langley discussed the Release-Time Learning Courses and Elective Credit with the Board.
Superintendent Update
Superintendent John Hill updated the Board and Community on the status of the District.

Transportation Director Kody Owenby discussed the need to purchase 2 new buses.

Facilities Director Mike Patton updated the Board and Community on the status of the current GMP's.

Chief Academics Officer CT Hussion updated the Board and Community on the academic status of the District.

Executive Session
- To discuss or deliberate upon the appointment, employment, compensation, hiring, disciplinary action or dismissal, or periodic evaluation or rating of a public officer or employee or to interview applicants for the position of superintendent; (O.C.G.A. § 50-14-3(b)(2)).
- To consider a matter involving the disclosure of personally identifiable information from a student's educational records; (20 USC § 1232g).
- To consult and meet with legal counsel pertaining to pending or potential litigation, settlement, claims, administrative proceedings, or other judicial actions brought or to be brought by or against the school district or an officer or employee or in which the officer or employee may be directly involved; (O.C.G.A. § 50-14-2(1)).
Motion made by: Jason McCarter
Motion seconded by: Patrick White
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Reconvene
Motion made by: Jason McCarter
Motion seconded by: Julia Barnett
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Adjournment
All business concluded, meeting adjourned.

Board Work Session - 3/19/2026 - Work Session

3/18/2026

Attendees - voting members

Tony Hunter		Chair
Patrick White		Vice Chair
Janna Akins		Board Member
Julia Barnett		Board Member
Jason McCarter		Board Member

Attendees - other

Dr. John Hill

Superintendent

Call to Order
Chair Tony Hunter called the meeting to order.
Welcome Visitors and Invocation
Chair Tony Hunter welcomed visitors and guests. Chief Compliance Officer David Murphy gave the invocation.
Approval of Agenda
Motion to approve the agenda as submitted.
Motion made by: Janna Akins
Motion seconded by: Julia Barnett
Voting
Unanimously Approved

Awards and Recognition/Culture and Climate

Awards and Recognition/Culture and Climate

UCHS Wrestling State Champs and Medalists
STAR Student/STAR Teacher
Chief Academic Officer CT Hussion recognized Savannah Love as the STAR Student and DIxie Conger as the STAR Teacher for 2025-2026 school year,
Teacher of the Year
Chief Academic Officer CT Hussion recognized the following teachers as Teacher of the Year:

WGS - Sarrah McDonald
UCPS - Holly Cook
UCES - Cynthia Todd
UCMS - Greg Wilson
UCHS - Robbie Roxbury

District Teacher of the Year — UCPS — Holly Cook
Board Member Appreciation
Superintendent John Hill honored the Union County Board of Education for all they contribute and sacrifice for the students, teachers, and community members of Union County School District.

Discussion Items/Organizational Excellence

Academic Update
Chief Academic Officer CT Hussion updated the Board and Community on the Academic status of the District.
Superintendent Update
Superintendent John Hill updated the Board and Community on the status of the District.

Executive Session
- To discuss or deliberate upon the appointment, employment, compensation, hiring, disciplinary action or dismissal, or periodic evaluation or rating of a public officer or employee or to interview applicants for the position of superintendent; (O.C.G.A. § 50-14-3(b)(2)).
- To consult and meet with legal counsel pertaining to pending or potential litigation, settlement, claims, administrative proceedings, or other judicial actions brought or to be brought by or against the school district or an officer or employee or in which the officer or employee may be directly involved; (O.C.G.A. § 50-14-2(1)).
Motion made by: Julia Barnett
Motion seconded by: Patrick White
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Reconvene
Motion made by: Julia Barnett
Motion seconded by: Janna Akins
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Adjournment
All business concluded, meeting adjourned.

Board Work Session - 2/26/2026 - Work Session

2/25/2026

Attendees - voting members

Tony Hunter		Chair
Patrick White		Vice Chair
Janna Akins		Board Member
Julia Barnett		Board Member
Jason McCarter		Board Member

Attendees - other

John Hill

Superintendent

Call to Order
Chair Tony Hunter called the meeting to order.
Welcome Visitors and Invocation
Chair Tony Hunter welcomed visitors and guests. Chief Compliance Officer David Murphy gave the invocation.
Approval of Agenda
Motion to approve the agenda as submitted.
Motion made by: Jason McCarter
Motion seconded by: Julia Barnett
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Awards and Recognition/Culture and Climate

UCHS Cross County Team
Chief Compliance Officer David Murphy and Athletic Director Mandy Hunter recognized the UCHS Cross County Team for the following achievements:

Girls Team — 4th place finish at State:
Lola Hunter

Avery Hussion

Macy Payne

Averie Tanner

Kate Barrett

Grace Wright

Neva Brott

Kate Hoffman

Boys Team — 3rd place finish at State:

Holden Payne

Andrew Nushtayev

Ander Faulkner

Noah Payne

Oliver Hillman

Cody Dupuis

Trey Hawley

Cole Brown

Individual Medalists:
Lola Hunter — 9th place
Holden Payne — 2nd place
UCHS Cross Country
Extra Mile Awards
Chief Academics Officer CT Hussion and Athletic Director Mandy Hunter recognized Justin Blanchard and Jason Reece with the Extra Mile Award for their life-saving actions.
Star Student and Star Teacher

Superintendent's Update
Superintendent John Hill updated the Board and Community on the status of the District.
Board Training
Justin Old and Chief Compliance Officer David Murphy presented the Board Training over the District's Strategic Plan.

Strategic Plan Review, KPIs, and Forward Direction

Executive Session
- To discuss or deliberate upon the appointment, employment, compensation, hiring, disciplinary action or dismissal, or periodic evaluation or rating of a public officer or employee or to interview applicants for the position of superintendent; (O.C.G.A. § 50-14-3(b)(2)).
Motion made by: Janna Akins
Motion seconded by: Julia Barnett
Voting
Unanimously Approved

Strategic Plan Review, KPIs, and Forward Direction

Reconvene
Motion made by: Julia Barnett
Motion seconded by: Jason McCarter
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Adjournment
All business concluded, meeting adjourned.

Board Work Session - 1/15/2026 - Work Session

1/14/2026

Attendees - voting members

Tony Hunter		Chair
Patrick White		Vice Chair
Janna Akins		Board Member
Julia Barnett		Board Member
Jason McCarter		Board Member

Attendees - other

John Hill

Superintendent

Call to Order
Chair Tony Hunter called the meeting to order.
Welcome Visitors and Invocation
Chair Tony Hunter welcomed visitors and guests. Chief Compliance Officer David Murphy gave the invocation.
Approval of Agenda
Motion to approve the agenda as submitted.
Motion made by: Janna Akins
Motion seconded by: Julia Barnett
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Awards and Recognition/Culture and Climate

UCHS Band Recognition
UCHS Principal Josh Davis and Assistant Principal Mandy Hunter recognized the UCHS Marching Band for the following awards:
- Straight Superior Ratings in every category (this is the highest rating attainable for a band)
- 1st Place Band in Class 2A
- 4th Place Overall
- Carruth/Shook Award Recipient for Outstanding Musical Performance in A, AA classification
- David Walters Grand Champion Award in Classes A-AA

FY25 Audit Presentation
Mauldin & Jenkins Partner Christopher McKeller presented the FY25 Audit to the Board and Community.
Principals' Update
Principals' updated the Board and Community on the status of each school.
Executive Session
- To discuss or deliberate upon the appointment, employment, compensation, hiring, disciplinary action or dismissal, or periodic evaluation or rating of a public officer or employee or to interview applicants for the position of superintendent; (O.C.G.A. § 50-14-3(b)(2)).
Motion made by: Julia Barnett
Motion seconded by: Jason McCarter
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Reconvene
Motion made by: Julia Barnett
Motion seconded by: Patrick White
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Adjournment
All business concluded, meeting adjourned.

Board Work Session - 12/18/2025 - Work Session

12/17/2025

Attendees - voting members

Tony Hunter		Chair
Patrick White		Vice Chair
Janna Akins		Board Member
Julia Barnett		Board Member
Jason McCarter		Board Member

Attendees - other

John Hill

Superintendent

Call to Order
Chair Tony Hunter called the meeting to order.
Welcome Visitors and Invocation
Chair Tony Hunter welcomed visitors and guests. Chief Compliance Officer David Murphy gave the invocation.
Approval of Agenda
Motion to approve the agenda as presented.
Motion made by: Julia Barnett
Motion seconded by: Janna Akins
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Awards & Recognitions/Culture and Climate

Mountain League Champion - UCMS Football
Athletic Director Mandy Hunter and UCMS Principal Tammy Hughes recognized the UCMS Football team for becoming the North Georgia Mountain League Football Champions.
Extra Mile Award
UCHS Assistant Principal Mandy Hunter presented Alex Davis with the Extra Mile Award for always going above and beyond to help the students and staff.
Blairsville Pickleball Recognition
AEP Administrator Brandon Bradburn recognized the members of Blairsville Pickleball for all that they have done for the students and staff at AEP.
District Christmas Card Winner - Kylie Kaser
Chief Academic Officer CT Hussion presented Kylie Kaser with her winning entry for the District Christmas card.

Superintendent Update
Superintendent John Hill discussed the status of the District with the Board and community.

2026-2027 School Calendar
Chief Compliance Officer David Murphy discussed the 2026-2027 School Calendar with the Board.
FY2027 Board Meeting Dates
Chief Compliance Officer David Murphy discussed the FY2027 Board Meeting Dates with the Board.

Executive Session
- To discuss or deliberate upon the appointment, employment, compensation, hiring, disciplinary action or dismissal, or periodic evaluation or rating of a public officer or employee or to interview applicants for the position of superintendent; (O.C.G.A. § 50-14-3(b)(2)).
Motion made by: Jason McCarter
Motion seconded by: Patrick White
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Reconvene
Motion made by: Janna Akins
Motion seconded by: Julia Barnett
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Adjournment
All business concluded, meeting adjourned.

Board Work Session - 11/20/2025 - Work Session

11/19/2025

Attendees - voting members

Tony Hunter		Chair
Patrick White		Vice Chair
Janna Akins		Board Member
Julia Barnett		Board Member
Jason McCarter		Board Member

Attendees - other

John Hill

Superintendent

Call to Order
Chair Tony Hunter called the meeting to order.
Welcome Visitors and Invocation
Chair Tony Hunter welcomed visitors and guests. Chief Compliance Officer David Murphy gave the invocation.
Approval of Agenda
Motion to approve the agenda as submitted.
Motion made by: Janna Akins
Motion seconded by: Julia Barnett
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Board Training
Chief Compliance Officer David Murphy and Justin Old conducted the November Board training.

Planning for BOEs and Self Assessment Analysis

Superintendent Update
Superintendent John Hill updated the Board and Community on the status of the District.
2026-2027 School Calendar Review
Chief Compliance Officer David Murphy discussed the proposed 2026-2027 school calendar with the Board.
FY27 Board Meeting Dates Review
Chief Compliance Officer David Murphy discussed the proposed FY27 Board Meeting dates with the Board.
Executive Session
- To discuss or deliberate upon the appointment, employment, compensation, hiring, disciplinary action or dismissal, or periodic evaluation or rating of a public officer or employee or to interview applicants for the position of superintendent; (O.C.G.A. § 50-14-3(b)(2)).
Motion made by: Jason McCarter
Motion seconded by: Patrick White
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Reconvene
Motion made by: Julia Barnett
Motion seconded by: Jason McCarter
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Adjournment
All business concluded, meeting adjourned.
Motion made by: Julia Barnett
Motion seconded by: Jason McCarter
Voting
Unanimously Approved

Board Work Session - 10/23/2025 - Work Session

10/22/2025

Attendees - voting members

Tony Hunter		Chair
Patrick White		Vice Chair
Janna Akins		Board Member
Julia Barnett		Board Member
Jason McCarter		Board Member

Attendees - other

John Hill

Superintendent

Call to Order
Chair Tony Hunter called the meeting to order.
Welcome Visitors and Invocation
Chair Tony Hunter welcomed visitors and guests. Chief Compliance Officer David Murphy gave the invocation.
Approval of Agenda
Motion to approve the agenda as submitted.
Motion made by: Jason McCarter
Motion seconded by: Patrick White
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Superintendent Update
Superintendent John Hill updated the Board and community on the status of the District.
Academic Update
Chief Academic Officer CT Hussion updated the Board and community on the status of the District's academics.
Executive Session
- To consult and meet with legal counsel pertaining to pending or potential litigation, settlement, claims, administrative proceedings, or other judicial actions brought or to be brought by or against the school district or an officer or employee or in which the officer or employee may be directly involved; (O.C.G.A. § 50-14-2(1)).
Motion made by: Julia Barnett
Motion seconded by: Janna Akins
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Reconvene
Motion made by: Julia Barnett
Motion seconded by: Janna Akins
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Adjournment
All business concluded, meeting adjourned.

Board Work Session - 9/25/2025 - Work Session

9/24/2025

Attendees - voting members

Tony Hunter		Chair
Patrick White		Vice Chair
Janna Akins		Board Member
Julia Barnett		Board Member
Jason McCarter		Board Member

Attendees - other

John Hill

Superintendent

Call to Order
Chair Tony Hunter called the meeting to order.
Welcome Visitors and Invocation
Chair Tony Hunter welcomed visitors and guests. Chief Compliance Officer David Murphy gave the invocation.
Approval of Agenda
Motion to approve the agenda as submitted.
Motion made by: Julia Barnett
Motion seconded by: Jason McCarter
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Board Training
Justin Old presented the Board Training over Board Policy.
Superintendent Update
Superintendent John Hill updated the Board and community on the status of the District.
Executive Session
- To discuss or deliberate upon the appointment, employment, compensation, hiring, disciplinary action or dismissal, or periodic evaluation or rating of a public officer or employee or to interview applicants for the position of superintendent; (O.C.G.A. § 50-14-3(b)(2)).
- To consult and meet with legal counsel pertaining to pending or potential litigation, settlement, claims, administrative proceedings, or other judicial actions brought or to be brought by or against the school district or an officer or employee or in which the officer or employee may be directly involved; (O.C.G.A. § 50-14-2(1)).
Motion made by: Janna Akins
Motion seconded by: Julia Barnett
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Reconvene
Motion made by: Patrick White
Motion seconded by: Janna Akins
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Adjournment
All business concluded, meeting adjourned.
Motion made by: Julia Barnett
Motion seconded by: Jason McCarter
Voting
Unanimously Approved