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The Houston County Board of Education is responsible to the citizens of Houston County.  To effectively represent and reflect the opinions of the community, it is imperative that parents, citizens, and business leaders take an active interest in the school district.  Suggestions and open dialogue help the Board make decisions and assist in setting the course of education.

Board of Education members set policy, approve educational goals and curriculum changes, evaluate the educational program, and act on recommendations of the Superintendent of Schools.  The Board also approves the annual budget and maintains a balanced budget at the end of the year.  In addition, board members plan for the improvement and financing of facilities, act as a tribunal at employee and student hearings, and keep the public informed about school issues.

Congratulations Governance Teach of the Year Finalist

2024-2025 GSBA Governance Team of the Year Finalist

The Houston County Board of Education was named one of two finalists for the Georgia School Boar Association (GSBA) 2024-2025 Governance Team of the Year. This award honors a Georgia public school district’s board of education and superintendent who have achieved all-around success in governance. The recognition is deeply rooted in the Standards for Effective Governance of Georgia School Systems.

These finalists will be vetted through an application process and interviewed by an impartial review team. The review team consists of national experts who perform various leadership roles in the field of public education.

The 2024 Governance Team of the Year will be announced at the GSBA/GSSA Annual Conference in December.

Media Links:

GSBA Release | Houston Home Journal Article 7.9.2024

Board Members

The Board is comprised of seven members elected to four-year terms.  The terms of members from odd-numbered districts will expire December 31, 2024.  The terms of members elected from even-numbered districts will expire December 31, 2026.  Every January, Board members elect a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.  The Superintendent serves as an ex-officio member of the Board and acts as the Secretary-Treasurer.  

To learn more about each board member, click on the photos.

Helen Hughes picture

Helen Hughes

District 5

Board Chair

post5@hcbe.net

Dr. Rick Unruh picture

Dr. Rick Unruh

District 1

Board Vice Chair

post1@hcbe.net

Lori Johnson picture

Lori Johnson

District 2

post2@hcbe.net

Dave Crockett picture

Dave Crockett

District 3

post3@hcbe.net

Jon Nichols picture

Jon Nichols

District 4

post4@hcbe.net

Mark Ivory picture

Mark Ivory

District 6, At Large

post6@hcbe.net

Bryan Upshaw picture

Bryan Upshaw

District 7, At Large

post7@hcbe.net

Dr. Mark Scott picture

Dr. Mark Scott

Superintendent of Schools

Ex-Officio Board Member

About Our Meetings

The Houston County Board of Education typically meets twice a month.  The formal session is held the second Tuesday of the month at 1:00 p.m. at the central office located at 1100 Main Street in Perry.  The work session is held the Monday evening prior to the second Tuesday unless that Monday falls on a holiday.  Work sessions are held at 6:00 p.m. at various schools or the central office.  In addition, special meetings are called as needed.  Community meetings are held occasionally to keep residents informed about issues and to give citizens the opportunity to comment on Board initiatives.  Meetings are announced in advance through the local media and on the district's website. 

Addressing The Board

The Houston County Board of Education welcomes visitors and will hear any citizen and/or employee of the school district pursuant to the guidelines outlined in the Board Policy BCBD.  Board members will listen to comments without engaging in dialogue.  Any request will be considered with a written response provided when necessary. 

To learn more about Addressing the Board, please follow this link.

2024 Board Meeting Calendar

 January 15, 2024 No Work Session - Holiday  
 January 16, 2024 Board Meeting BOE, Perry 1:00 p.m.
 February 12, 2024 Work Session Houston County High 6:00 p.m.
 February 13, 2024 Board Meeting BOE, Perry 1:00 p.m.
 March 11, 2024 Work Session Huntington Middle 6:00 p.m.
 March 12, 2024 Board Meeting BOE, Perry 1:00 p.m.
 April 15, 2024 Work Session Kings Chapel Elementary 6:00 p.m.
 April 16, 2024 Board Meeting BOE, Perry 1:00 p.m.
 May 13, 2024 Board Retreat Ragin Center, Perry 9:00 a.m.
 May 14, 2024 Board Meeting BOE, Perry 1:00 p.m.
 June 10, 2024 No Work Session  
 June 11, 2024 Board Meeting BOE, Perry 1:00 p.m.
 July 8, 2024 Work Session Ragin Center, Perry 6:00 p.m.
 July 9, 2024 Board Meeting BOE, Perry 1:00 p.m.
 August 12, 2024 Work Session Ragin Center, Perry 6:00 p.m.
 August 13, 2024 Board Meeting BOE, Perry 1:00 p.m.
August 19, 2024Called MeetingBOE, Perry9:00 a.m.
 September 9, 2024 Work Session Lake Joy Elementary 6:00 p.m.
 September 10, 2024 Board Meeting BOE, Perry 1:00 p.m.
 September 30, 2024 Board Retreat Ragin Center, Perry 9:00 a.m.
 October 1, 2024 Board Meeting BOE, Perry 1:00 p.m.
 November 11, 2024 No Work Session - Holiday  
 November 12, 2024 Board Meeting BOE, Perry 1:00 p.m.
 December 9, 2024 Board Meeting Lake Joy Primary 6:00 p.m.