UCEA president says teachers frustrated, worn out, exhausted

When Chairman David Coppock realized that the Union County Board of Education lacked a quorum and would need to postpone the meeting, he called on UCEA President Carolyn Murr to speak during the workshop.
Murr quickly described the current school situation, “Teachers are frustrated, worn out, and exhausted,” she admonished. “ Some are working until 2 a.m. to record lessons and do distance learning after they teach during the day.”

May BOE approves balanced budget, changes calendar

At its May meeting, the Union County Board of Education passed a balanced budget with increased funding. Teacher salaries will increase due to a raise in beginning teacher pay from $36,000 to $37,000. This raise causes an increase throughout the scale. There will be no longevity pay for seniority since all educators will get an increase in pay.

BOE discusses 2021 budget and completes work virtually

Chairman David Coppock called the first virtual meeting of the Union County Board of Education to order on April 9, 2020, with all board members present.
Director of Schools Jimmy Carter relayed a message from UCEA President Carolyn Murr. She thanked the BOE for the care and thoughtfulness shown during the pandemic, especially the distribution of food to the students.

School Board hears concerns over attendance letter language

At the February Union County Board of Education meeting, Sydney Jessee, a parent of two school-aged children, addressed the board during the workshop.
Jessee had received an attendance letter regarding his older child's absences due to flu and a stomach virus. He related that his child had doctor notes for all but one day and he had written a parent note for the stomach virus.

Board of Education Applauds Carolyn Murr’s Service

Chairman David Coppock called the August Union County Board of Education Meeting to order and recognized Jimmy Carter, superintendent of schools, to present an award to the Union County Clover Team, who took second place in the national competition. Then Carter asked Lucy Russell Freyer to pay tribute to Carolyn Murr for her 50 years of service to Union County Public Schools. Murr has served as a physical education teacher as well as a classroom teacher and a coach. She currently teaches fourth grade at Maynardville Elementary School.

School Board Discusses Trash, Sign Clutter, and Mental Health Grant

The corner lot at Highway 33 and Wilson Lane (Main Street) including the high school parking lot was the hot topic at the February 7th School Board Workshop. Marty Gibbs, 1st District Board Member, thanked Keep Union County Beautiful for picking up litter and trash on the high school property. Mr. Gibbs also commented that he had received several texts and phone calls from citizens and even students regarding the appearance and messages received by visitors especially during high school games. Mr.