Posted: Tuesday, November 9, 2010 9:05 pm

New computers are coming to Union City High School and Union City Middle School at a cost of nearly $30,000.
The computers will re-place aging equipment in the computer labs at the two local schools, according to Director of Schools Gary Houston.
He made the announcement regarding the purchase of the new computers at Monday night’s meeting of the Union City School Board.
Houston told The Mes-senger the current computer labs are old and need to be replaced. The $29,740.60 being spent to purchase 52 new computers represents a joint effort involving Carl Perkins Career and Technical funds and local technology funds.
Also during Monday night’s 12-minute session, the board got an update from Houston on recent activities within the school system and outgoing board member Shea Riley III gave a fond farewell to the board he has served for the past eight years.
It is a time of transition for the Union City School Board, following the Nov. 2 elections. Dr. John Clendenin will succeed Riley on the board and Campbell Rice will replace Ellarine Moses.
It was Riley who made Monday night, saying, “The last eight years have been very interesting. ... It’s been fun.”
He stated he has “enjoyed” working with the other board members and the administration during his time on the school board.
“I will miss you all,” Riley said.
In response, board chairman Glenda Caudle said she was “honored” to have served with Riley and Mrs. Moses.
Houston added he appreciated the contributions Riley has made as a school board member.
Clendenin and Rice will officially begin their terms on the board next month. Both men will get an early taste of life as a school board member as they will be joining other members of the board at next week’s annual Tennessee School Board Association Convention in Nashville.
The three-day conference will begin Sunday at the Renaissance Center and will feature several guest speakers and a variety of special sessions.
Those scheduled to join Clendenin and Rice at the convention include Houston, Caudle, Curtis McLendon and Cathy Waggoner. McLendon and Ms. Waggoner will serve as TSBA delegates at the conference.
The TSBA conference is traditionally held at Nashville’s Opryland Hotel, but work is ongoing to restore the facility following last spring’s flooding.
Clendenin and Rice will officially be sworn in as board members at noon Wednesday at the Union City Municipal Building.
Also during Monday night’s brief meeting, the board was updated by Houston on recent successes of the UCHS and UCMS football programs, the UCHS Golden Tornado Marching Band’s recent trip to the Bands of America competition in Indianapolis and the recent accomplishments of UCHS cross country runner Daniel Williamson and UCHS golfer Mollie Stone.
Houston also advised the board that the school system’s new parent notification system is now operational.
“This is up and running,” Houston said, as he explained the system will be “very beneficial” in keeping parents informed.
Houston also informed the board that UCHS Band director John Easley has been named a special director for the prestigious Alamo Bowl in San Antonio.
“This is a rare opportunity,” Houston told the board about Easley’s appointment.
In other action, the school board was advised of two personnel moves. Travis Van Hooser has been hired to teach contemporary issues at UCHS and Union City Elementary School teacher Mallory Powers has been granted a maternity leave.
As the upcoming holidays draw near, Houston extended a formal invitation to school board members to attend the annual Thanksgiving meal at the middle school on Nov. 18.
Prior to the official opening of Monday night’s meeting, McLendon ushered in the session with a prayer. Student representative Chase Bowling led the board in the Pledge of Allegiance. Absent from the meeting was Mrs. Moses and board member Karl Ullrich, who, as a firefighter for the city, was called to service just prior to the meeting.

Published in The Messenger 11.9.10