During its meeting on Thursday, June 11, the Clarke County Board of Education appointed Johnelle Simpson, II to fill the remainder of the unexpired term of outgoing District 8 board member Nicole Hull, who has resigned effective June 30. Thursday was Ms. Hull’s final scheduled meeting, and Mr. Simpson will be sworn in before the board’s next scheduled meeting in August.

The District 8 term expires Dec. 31, 2026. By state law, a special election for the seat will be held Nov. 3. 

The board filled the vacancy pursuant to state law after opening an application period to qualified District 8 residents. The board received three applications and heard presentations from each candidate during Thursday’s meeting prior to its vote. 

View the application submitted by Mr. Simpson. 

New Board President

Also during Thursday’s meeting, board President Dr. Mumbi Anderson announced she was stepping down from the post, effective immediately, though she will remain on the board in her District 6 seat. Following the board’s established process for officer nominations and votes, Vice President Mark Evans of District 9 was elected as the new President. Following that vote, the board voted to suspend the rules and delay nominations for Vice President until its August meeting. 

Mr. Evans is serving his first term on the board and has been re-elected to a second term that will begin in January 2027. He had served as Vice President since January 2024.