The Board of Education announced its newest inductee into the Oconee County Schools Hall of Fame on Monday during its regular session at the Instructional Support Center.

Kim Argo was chosen as the 39th member of the OCS Hall of Fame, and photos of the inductees can be found in the Instructional Support Center. Ms. Argo spent 16 years on the Board of Education (the longest tenure in district history), including four as Chair, and led Oconee County to GSBA Governance Team of the Year honors in 2020. Ms. Argo also spent 18 years as a teacher for the district beginning in 1983.

“This is such a well-deserved honor,” said Michael Ransom, the current Chair. “Ms. Argo always had her focus on what was best for our students and our teachers. She was the driving force behind so much of what this district accomplished during her tenure. Oconee County Schools wouldn't be where it is today without her steady hand and deep commitment.”

Dr. Melissa Butler delivered her first Superintendent’s Report, during which she announced that Dr. Debra Harden will officially return to retirement on Nov. 21. Dr. Harden served as Superintendent from 1993-1999, stepped in again this summer as Interim Superintendent, and has continued providing guidance and stability in her most recent role as Associate Superintendent. 

“Dr. Harden's leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on Oconee County Schools, not only in these past few months, but throughout her long history with this district,” said Dr. Butler. “I have been deeply privileged to work with Dr. Harden, and I will forever be grateful for my time working alongside her. I know many others across Oconee County feel the same way. Her influence and care have touched countless people in this community.”

The Board heard presentations from Teaching and Learning, Student Services, Technology, Human Resources, Business Services, Operations, Operations - Facilities, and Communications. During his report, Chief Human Resources Officer Justin Cofer introduced the proposed academic calendar for 2027-28 as an action item for the Dec. 8, 2025, meeting.

In addition on Monday, the Board of Education:

• Approved the bid of $191,188.60 by Rush Truck Centers for a cellular camera system. This project will be paid for with ESPLOST and General Fund dollars.
• Certified the Nov. 4, 2025, election results resolution.
• Took off the table and approved Board Policy JCDAF: Use of Electronic Devices by Students.
• Approved the technology surplus list.
• Approved out-of-state field trips for the Dove Creek Middle band and chorus and the Oconee County Middle band in March and May of 2026, respectively.

Principal Grace Staniszewski; Assistant Principal Kim Griffith; teacher Laura Goulder; parapros Beth Perry and Karen Stephens; and students Hannah Sisco, Ethan Davidson, Locklyn McFarlin, Audra Nair, and Joseph Aguilar-Peralta presented Dove Creek Elementary’s Points of Pride. Dove Creek Elementary students, under the direction of teacher Karen Phillips, provided the November art display.

Custodian Johnny Pope of Dove Creek Middle was chosen as the November Pursuit of Excellence Award Winner. He received a $50 VISA gift card, fleece blanket, stainless steel mug, and tote from Peach State Federal Credit Union. Chops & Hops and Rosie’s Hometown Meats provided additional gift cards, while Oconee County Schools presented a commemorative plaque.

Several recent FFA medalists from North Oconee High were honored for their efforts at the Georgia National Fair: Estella Sanders, Kinsley Mann, and Scarlett Harris (Reserve Grand Champion, County Group-Market Goats); Lena Steinkamp, Hazel Brubaker, Brady Smith, and Haley Parsons (Grand Champion, County Group-Market Lambs); Christopher Butler (third place, Ninth-Grade Market Lamb Showman); Mollie Bell (Reserve Grand Champion, Floral Design); and Avery Bennis (third place, Floral Design). Their advisor is Tim Griffeth.

Malcom Bridge Middle FFA students recognized for their Georgia National Fair performances were: Sydney Spradlin and Sloan Gecsy (Grand Champion, Floral Design); Caitlyn Cramer and Chandler Tieman (Reserve Grand Champion, Agriscience Fair); Madeeha Arif (Grand Champion, Landscape Plan Drawing); and Asher Grace Bailey and Norah Brubaker (Reserve Grand Champion, County Group Market Goats). Their advisor is Emily Courson.

No Oconee County residents addressed the Board during Public Communication.

Personnel recommendations were approved as presented.

To view more information on Monday’s meeting, please click here.

The Board of Education holds meetings in public at the Instructional Support Center. Access to the simultaneous broadcast of the Board of Education meeting will be available on the Oconee County Schools YouTube channel. Meetings will be archived on YouTube within two business days.

The Board of Education next will meet on Monday, Dec. 8, at 6 p.m. at the Instructional Support Center.