Eddie Johnson, board member for District 2 who begins his fifth term, and Anderson Bailey, board member for District 4 who begins his second term, were sworn in Monday at the Newton County Board of Education Administration building. The ceremony was officiated by Melanie Bell, Newton County probate judge.

The event included remarks from community members and fellow board members about the two officials’ experience and commitment to the school system. Willie Mae Durden, a retired Newton County Schools high school teacher who attended the ceremony, said of Bailey, "He was the type of person that I knew that he would make a good member of the board. And I know that he would, you know, try to do the right thing by the students and and the teachers as well because teachers need all the support that they can get." Trey Bailey, a fellow board member representing District 1, said the board’s work depends on collective decisions: "Well, a board only makes decisions as a team. Right? Like, there's no individual board member. We we have to operate as a team. So you gotta get 3 votes to get something passed." He added that the new members "engage in the conversation" and described them as people "of their word" who want what is best for students.

Anderson Bailey described his approach to service as inclusive: "Co helping everybody. My theory is if you wear an ambulance, we're here to support you. It doesn't matter if you're a custodian, bus driver, or whatever, 2 digit principal, superintendent. Everybody fits up under the same umbrella. You know, we own a piece of the rock." Eddie Johnson said he sought the position to contribute to the community and students' growth: "I never thought that I would end up on the school board, but I knew I wanted to make a contribution to the community, and I thought this was the best avenue to do that. That I can continue to make a contribution to the growth of our students. That that means the world to me and to the community."

Duke Bradley, superintendent of Newton County Schools, praised the board’s makeup and its potential effect on the district, saying, "Well, we know that strong school systems begin with strong boards of education, and I'm just grateful, to be a part of a governance team that is, made up of people who have such a a heart for kids and have a heart for community. And those are the things that I know will carry Newton County Schools to the next level." The ceremony did not include any board business, votes, or formal policy actions; it was a swearing-in and ceremonial welcome.

The length of the terms and any next steps for board organization or committee assignments were not specified during the ceremony. The swearing-in continues the board’s membership as it takes up governance of Newton County Schools.