Andrews and Cowart Take Seats on New School Board, Lowe and Long Re-elected

Newly elected School Board Members Peggy Andrews and Mike Cowart took their seats as part of the Pickens County Board of Education last night. This was the first meeting for the new board members. In the July Primary Andrews and Cowart replaced members Ervin Easterwood and John Trammell.

Andrews is a 36 year veteran of the Pickens County Educational System, where she worked as a classroom teacher, media specialist, principal, assistant principal, and curriculum director. As such, Andrews said she feels her expertise can benefit the board.

“I have sat on the other side of the table,”

she said,

“So I know what’s expected of the board and what’s not expected of the board.”

She went on to say that her focus is always on student achievement.

For his part Cowart says he grew up around the Pickens Educational System, explaining that his parents were teachers in Pickens County and that he’s a graduate of Pickens County High School. Currently the service manager at Day’s Chevrolet in Jasper, Cowart says he intends to be a good steward of taxpayer’s money during his tenure on the board. He also said he plans to change the culture of the school system, lamenting that only negative stories about the system make the press. Cowart says he intends to work with the media to inform the public about the school system.

“(I want to) let everyone know that things aren’t just staying status quo,”

he said,

During last night’s meeting, the board also elected board chair and vice chair. Last year’s Chair Wendy Lowe and Vice Chair Byron Long were reelected unanimously.