At Monday’s school board meeting Union County Clerk of Court Freddie Gault administered the board member induction, swearing in four board members.
Of the four, only one – Jane Wilkes – was newly elected. Wilkes is the new representative of District 9 on the board. Wilkes’ family was present and her granddaughters – Julia Bailey, 8, and Reid Bailey, 12 — assisted Gault with the induction.
Also sworn in were Jane Hammett representing District 5, Wanda All representing District 8 and Kim Bailey who represents District 3. All were re-elected to their respective school board seats.
After being sworn in, Wilkes took her seat with the board and received a warm welcome from the other members.
The District 4 seat, however, is still undecided. The race between incumbent Donna Sanders and former board member Buck Peay ended in a tie during the General Election, with both candidates receiving 415 votes each. The winner will be decided in a runoff election on Tuesday, Nov. 16.
Board officers were also elected at the meeting. Jane Hammett was elected chairperson and B.J. McMorris was elected vice chair.
Jonesville Elementary/Middle School principal Floyd Lyles and three representatives from the JEMS Ladies and Gentlemen’s Clubs spoke to the board. The club members were Kayla Means, Lindsay Young and Tori Woody. Each of the students spoke of how the club has taught them respect and encouraged them to follow their dreams and aspirations.
The club is known for “dressing for success” and working on leadership skills such as public speaking.
Dr. Suzanne Gunter then provided an update on Adult Education and the Achievement Academy.
“We have a lot to celebrate,” Gunter said. “Our partnership with USC Union is one of the best things we have going for us.”
Gunter gave an overview of the busy schedule at Adult Education and the Achievement Academy, mentioning aspects including the tax assistance program, a Palmetto Program mentor, a partnership with Clemson Extension and several grants – pending and awarded.
Three field trips also were unanimously approved at the meeting. Director of secondary education Cindy Langley requested the board allow the following trips:
• A group of fourth-grade students from Foster Park to take a field trip to Atlanta for a tour of Coca-Cola, CNN and an aquarium.
• A percussion group to attend an event in Cullowhee, NC.
• The JEMS Beta Club to travel to Myrtle Beach to compete in a competition.
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