Hayden Caldwell, UCHS Student Representative, addressed the Union County Board of Education on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, during the workshop. He informed members of several upcoming events including Winter Court, the Choir performance at Dollywood, and the Band and Choir Concert on Thursday, March 5. Hayden spoke briefly about the opportunity to participate in Middle College, a program in cooperation with Walters State Community College to graduate with an Associate's Degree while completing high school. He encouraged the system to set up a mentoring program where graduates of the program mentored students beginnig the program to maybe avoid students dropping out of the Middle College. He explained that nine are in the current Middle College group including seven seniors. He said that last year, many students started the program but could not be successful with the time demands of online classes. In his opinion, Middle College is worth the effort to not only be prepared to begin a career earlier, but also toward graduating free of college debt.

Rebecca Lock,, legislative liaison, distributed a handout with information on the 31 bills in the Tennessee legislature that impact education.

Noah Smith, who is a candidate for Tennessee Representative of the 36th District, addressed the Board under Public Comment and introduced himself by relating his education and his experience on the Campbell County School Board.

The Board approved two student trips. The UCHS Travel Club will tour the Eastern Seaboard cities of Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D C. for a week in May of 2027. The HMMS Jr. BETA Club will attend theNational BETA Convention in Nashville during June of 2026.

The Board approved the Budget Amendments and Transfers. The Board also renewed contracts with Lewis Thomason, PC for the Board attorney and with Waste Connections for trash service.

Director Greg Clay reported on maintenance and capital projects. The water issue that flooded part of central office has been fixed. At the new middle school, steel is being erected on the boulevard and soon a roof will be on the gym. The football turf and sprinkler system have been installed. The bid for furniture is $1.2M and he and the building committee are working to get the cost closer to $900,000. He noted that the new middle school will have all new furniture and the furniture at the current middle school will remain at that school. The New Horace Maynard Middle School is on schedule for a July 6 completion date. The Board came one step closer to having an expanded roadway into the new middle school when it approved the purchase of the Pine Street property to widen the street and for the utilities right of way. Dr. Jimmy Carter abstained due to the property being owned by a family member.

The Board approved on first reading TSBA recommended revisions to 1.901 Charter School Application, 2.804 Expenses and Reimbursements, and 3.600 Insurance management.

Before adjourning, the Board set a Budget Workshop for Tuesday, March 17, with the regular meeting on Thursday, March 19, due to Spring Break of March 9-13.