BOE recognizes Teachers of the Year and Colten Lewis at recent board meeting

The Emanuel County Board of Education recognized outstanding achievements across the district during the October 5 Board meeting. The following members were in attendance: Tanya Lane, Elizabeth DeVane, John Allen Bailey, Del Brown, Brandon Jones and Cherie Hooks. Jeanette Harden was not present.

Board Chair Del Brown welcomed everyone calling the meeting to order. Brandon Jones delivered the invocation followed by Tanya Lane leading the Pledge of Allegiance. John Allen Bailey made a motion to approve the agenda. Brandon Jones seconded the motion. Tanya Lane, Elizabeth DeVane, John Allen Bailey, Del Brown, Brandon Jones and Cherie Hooks voted “yes”.

Swainsboro High School’s Colten Lewis was recognized for his back-to-back Class A Division I Individual Golf State Championship. The Board expressed how incredibly proud they are of Colten and this outstanding accomplishment.

The Board also recognized the 2026–2027 Teachers of the Year for their dedication to their students, schools, and the teaching profession: Swainsboro Primary School – Almeatta Durden; Twin City Elementary -Heather Hodges; Emanuel County Institute – Russell Johnson; Swainsboro Elementary School – Courtney Sikes. Also recognized, but not pictured were

Swainsboro High School – Pippin Davis and Swainsboro Middle School – Patrice Robinson.

Almeatta Durden was also recognized as the Emanuel County Schools District Teacher of the Year.

The Board approved the Consent Agenda as follows: Minutes of the September 14, 2026, Regular Board Meeting; Financial Reports; Projected Expenditures; recommendation to table Board Policy DIB: Financial Reports (Revised); and Construction Manager At-Risk- Emanuel County Institute Athletic Field Project.

In Public Participation Mr. Erric (Michael) Bostic spoke of the importance of fostering an inclusive sense of unity across the entire county using uplifting words that emphasized shared human connection and the importance of bringing diverse residents together for the common good.

In Executive Session the approved the renewal, employment, retired, retirement and resignations of the following certified and classified employees:

RECOMMENDATIONS, CLASSIFIED: Abernathy, Rachel – Paraprofessional – SPS – 9/29/2026 – NCIC Complete

RESIGNATIONS, CLASSIFIED: Hood, Julianna – Food Service Worker – SPS – 9/21/2026; Mack, Jessica – Paraprofessional – SES – 9/21/2026; McRee, Laci – Caregiver – EHS – 9/21/2026; Pongnon, Quiana – Paraprofessional – SHS – 9/30/2026

RETIREMENTS, CLASSIFIED: Pressey, Theresa – Secretary – SHS – 1/1/2027; Stevens, Lynn – Accounting Specialist – Central Office – 12/1/2026

2026-2027 TRANFERS: Cauley, Jessica – SMS – Teacher – ECI – Teacher – 10/19/2026