The Dougherty County Board of Education kicked off the new year with its first meeting on Monday, January 13, 2025, during which members were sworn in and new leadership was elected.

Reverend James C. Bush, Mrs. Velvet Edwards Poole, Mrs. Geraldine West-Hudley, and Dr. Carolyn Hand took their oaths of office from Probate Court Judge Leisa Blount to serve on the board. Dr. Hand, newly elected in November 2024, replaced longtime board member and former educator and administrator Robert Youngblood, who retired after many years of service.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, the board elected Poole as Chair and West-Hudley as Vice Chair to lead the board for the next 12 months.

Dr. Hand joins the board representing District 1 and brings a strong background in education and community leadership.

For more information about the board and its members, please visit [https://www.docoschools.org/page/meet-the-board](https://www.docoschools.org/page/meet-the-board).