The Morgan County Board of Education met on April 13 for its fourth meeting of the calendar year.
Multiple county staff members shared recent updates, and the board approved two new hires for the 2026-27 school year.
Early in the meeting, Assistant Superintendent Jay Homan provided updates regarding the Administrative and Student Services section of the meeting agenda. The updates included multiple areas on recent school events and the new K-5 facility, which is scheduled to open in the fall of 2028 and break ground on April 23.
“We had our final bid opening on April 2, with a total of 112 bids that were submitted across 29 bid packages, so we were really excited about that number,” Homan said. “What that does is that the competition helps to reduce the overall cost, so we’re in the process now of evaluating all those proposals. It’s not just solely based on cost but also on the qualifications and alignment with the project.”
Homan noted that MCCSS is currently working on a sewer easement for the anticipated facility and hopes to have it finalized at the end of the week.
According to Homan, the school system is beginning a partnership with the University of Georgia to address student mental health. The following school year, Morgan County schools will host two clinical interns to support school counselors Stacy Manger and Mollie Cole.
“It’s definitely exciting about what that [resource] will provide and how that will enhance their capacity to meet the needs of our students for mental health purposes,” Homan said. “We’re very grateful for the support and participation of our community in making sure that this is a very impactful event for our students.”
The BOE entered executive session during their Monday meeting to address personnel actions. Shortly after the meeting concluded, MCCSS announced that the board had approved the hiring of Jennifer Laughridge and Hillary Meeler to key leadership roles in the school district.
Laughridge, who currently serves as principal at Oconee County Elementary School, will step in as the school district’s Chief Academic Officer, replacing assistant superintendent Susan Tolbert, who will retire at the end of the current school year.
According to a recent report, Laughridge brings 29 years of experience in education to her role. With her new position, she will assist school leadership, “will oversee curriculum and instruction,” and “guide the district’s efforts to ensure high-quality educational opportunities for students.”
“We are proud to welcome Jennifer Laughridge to Morgan County Charter Schools,” said Dr. Susan Stancil, MCCSS superintendent. “Her proven leadership, integrity, and dedication to education will have a lasting impact not only on our schools, but on the entire Morgan County community.”
Meeler, who currently serves as the principal for Morgan County Middle School, will begin her tenure as the new Chief Human Resources Officer at the start of the upcoming school year.
Per a recent press release from the MCCSS, Meeler previously worked as an assistant principal at General Ray Davis Middle School and as a principal at Honey Creek Elementary School. She additionally has a background in teaching and is an Instructional Technology Specialist.
“Hillary is a familiar and trusted leader in our district and community,” Stancil said. Her leadership, experience, and deep understanding of our district make her well qualified to support and strengthen our staff.”