School Board recognized as finalists in the Governance Team of the Year Award

PERRY – The Houston County Board of Education met for their monthly scheduled meeting on Tuesday July 9. 

Board Chair Helen Hughes congratulated Clyde Jackson, who was in attendance, on winning the election for Post 7. Jackson will be replacing Brian Upshaw in January 2025. 

“I’m not saying goodbye to Mr. Upshaw today, as there will be plenty of time to say that at the end of the year, but we look forward to serving with you and look forward to you becoming part of our board family,” Hughes said. 

Hughes also wanted to recognize Director of Nutrition Meredith Potter. 

“I just want to say thank you to the food and nutrition family for taking care of the meals for all of our students during the summer months,” she said. “You do a phenomenal job during the school year and take that on during the summer months. I saw the numbers of the meals that we had actually served and it’s pretty remarkable, so I have no idea how you and your staff take on that task, but thank you so much.” 

After these recognitions, the meeting went on the Superintendent’s Report led by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Scott. 

Scott congratulated the Houston County Board of Education for being one of the two finalists for the Governance Team of the Year Award from the Georgia School Boards Association. 

“This award is given to the board that exemplifies commitment to enhancing student achievement and fostering public education trust and support within their community,” Scott said. “ On behalf of our entire district, I want to offer my sincere heartfelt congratulations to each one of you for the countless hours that you spend dedicated to the children in Houston County. We appreciate you every day and we’re just glad that the rest of the State recognizes that.” 

Also in the report, New Teacher Orientation will be held at Veterans High School from July 22-23. The District will welcome about 250 new teachers. 

“We are looking forward to welcoming them to Houston County and meeting all those new faces,” he said. 

The report also mentioned the Opening Session for the 2024-2025 school year. This begins at 9am at Southside Baptist Church. 

To end the report, Scott said the meet and greet for the students and their families will be later this month as the dates and times have been posted on www.hcbe.net. 

“We’re excited to offer our students and parents the opportunity to tour the school and meet their teachers prior to July 31, which is our first day of school,” he said.  

After the approval of the financial and purchasing reports, the Board approved the purchasing of 11 2025 model Blue Bird 77-passenger Type-C propane buses. 

Also in the meeting, the Board approved the easement for a historical marker at Pearl Stephens Elementary. 

“This is obviously preserving our past as well as allowing our future to know about our past, and I’m all for historical recognition,” Board Chair Helen Hughes said. 

According to the agenda, this easement will only be granted if the historical marker is approved by the Georgia Historical Society. 

The next Houston County School Board meeting will be held on August 13 at 1 pm. at 1100 Main St. in Perry. 

The agenda of this meeting can be found at https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=4089&MID=118742