At its July 10, 2025, meeting, the Union County Board of Education had a lively and lengthy discussion on policy changes that were the result of changes in state law. Adding a student member to the Board and defining regulations regarding cell phone use dominated the conversation. When the discussion concluded, the Board voted to approve the changes to 1.1021 (Student Board Member); 4.406 (Use of the Internet); 4.601 (Reporting Student Progress); 5.119 (Employment of Retirees); 5.305 (Family and Medical Leave); 5.701 (Substitute Teachers); 6.200 (Attendance); 6.303 (Questioning Students and Searches); 6.312 (Uses of Wireless Communication Devices); 6.411 (Student Wellness); 6.600 (Student Records) on the First Reading. The Second reading will be on August 14. Cell phones will not be used by elementary or middle school students during the entire instructional day. Cell phones may be used in high school during breaks, but not during instructional time. Exceptions in all grades are made for certain teacher approved emergencies and specific individual learning plans. More information will be shared after the August meeting.

The Board took action on three other items. The Board approved change order Number 33 for the new middle school to remove a massive amount of rock for the baseball field. The UCHS Baseball team will travel to Panama City, Florida in the spring of 2026 to participate in a tournament. Coaches Chris Russell and Noah Mallicoat will accompany the team. The old Ag greenhouse at UCHS was approved as surplus. 

The next regular workshop and meeting of the Union County Board of Education will be on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Union County High School. The workshop will begin at 6:00 with the meeting immediately to follow.