Merit Construction has begun erecting the outer walls and even the classrooms of one wing of the new middle school. But construction has not come easy as every shovel of dirt seems to turn up rocks and more rocks. The latest location of rock is at the end of John Deere Drive as improvement on the road began. The construction has nearly depleted the original contingency fund due to the excess of rock, and the Union County Board of Education approved the use of $10,000 more of the original $300,000 contingency at the regular March meeting.

The Union County Board of Education addressed two change orders for the new middle school during its meeting in February. The Lewis Group and Merit Construction requested an extension to the contract completion due to the snowy and rainy January weather, combined with the tremendous amount of time spent on removing rock and addressing voids and a cave at the site. The board agreed to an extension but commented that hopefully construction would not be extended for the full 30-day request.

The Union County Board of Education awarded 46 commendations to Union County teachers for excellence with regards to the state assessments at the December board meeting. Educators were recognized for achievement above the state average, growth scores of 4 or 5, and attainment of Level 5 overall.

The Union County Board of Education approved multiple items to comply with state and federal regulations as well as proceeding as planned for the new middle school construction at the November meeting.

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.

The Union County Board of Education, with Andrew Reed presiding and the minimum of four members for a quorum in attendance, recommended Merit Construction’s bid to the county finance department for approval at the July regular meeting.

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.”

In the June meeting the Union County Board of Education extended Director Greg Clay’s contract to June 30, 2028.
Clay received high marks from teachers, administrators and school board members during the evaluation process.

Budget concerns plagued the Union County Board of Education during most of the spring meetings from March through May. But after many discussions in workshops and meetings the board approved a budget for FY 25 with no tax increase in a special called meeting on May 22.

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.