Jessica Buck and Rebecca Lock to lead BOE

Director Greg Clay welcomed the new school board members, Harold Cooke, Charlie Hamilton, Terry Washam and Dr. Jimmy Carter at the Union County Board of Education meeting in September. Director Clay called for nominations for school board chairman. Rebecca Lock nominated Jessica Buck. Danny Wayne Collins nominated Dr. Jimmy Carter. The vote was by signed ballot. Clay read the name of the voter and the name of the candidate on each ballot aloud. Jessica Buck is the chairperson. There were four votes for Buck and two votes for Carter. Carter was absent.

BOE celebrates retiring attorney Stackhouse

The Union County Board of Education invited Attorney Mary Ann Stackhouse to attend the board workshop on July 11, even though she retired at the end of June. Director Greg Clay asked her to approach the front. Clay surprised Stackhouse with a plaque to recognize the 12 years of dedicated service as the lawyer for Union County Public Schools. He commented that he really appreciated all of her advice and the many hours of phone conversations, “of which there were a lot.”

BOE hears building updates, budget increases, policy changes

At the Union County Board of Education Meeting on April 11, Director Greg Clay reported that the architects sent the final plans for the new middle school to the state fire marshal. When the fire marshal approves the plans, they will be sent out for bids.
He also explained that the highway safety evaluation-noted improvements would be needed on John Deere Drive, Beeler Gap Road, and Pine Street. The Pine Street and Highway 33 intersection will also need to be upgraded and a traffic signal is being considered.

UC Little League gets 4 year use contract from BOE

The Union County Board of Education approved a use contract for four years at the field located below the sheriff's office on Hwy 33. Mary Ann Stackhouse, attorney for the BOE, recommended the approval. Stackhouse will be retiring this year, but the Board also extended the services of her affiliated firm with different legal representation.

School board increases salaries, prepares for HMMS construction

All Union County teachers will see an increase in their pay this school year. The Union County Board of Education approved a revised teacher salary scale at its meeting on January 11.
Missy Brown, finance director, explained that the additional increase is necessary to put the salary schedule on track to meet the $50,000 state mandated beginning salary in 2028. She further noted that the additional funding will come from the state TISA Growth monies and the pay increases do keep us competitive with surrounding counties.

BOE adopts 2024-25 calendar with early release days

The Union County School Board approved the 2024-2025 calendar at its November meeting. Most of the calendar was very similar to past years.
However, the addition of six early release days sparked some discussion. The early release days would close school at 1 p.m. rather than 3:15. Carolyn Murr, a Maynardville teacher and president of UCEA, voiced a concern for parents including teachers who would need to find additional daycare during the work day.