Voters will be selecting a new Board of Education chairperson at the midterm elections this year. Two people have qualified to run for the open seat: Verdell Jones and Pastor Richard Hayes.

Verdell Jones

Jones has served on the Liberty County school board, representing District 1, since 2009 and various other boards in Liberty County. She has over 25 years of experience in insurance, financial services and real estate and was a Budget Analyst for the federal government for many years. Her combined professional experiences make her well versed in effectively managing resources. Currently, she does business as a State Farm Agent, specializing in insurance and financial services.

Passionate about literacy, she recently founded The Midway Project, a 501(c)3 organization devoted to closing literacy gaps in education and finances.

Jones is married to Randolph Jones Jr., who is retired from the United States Air Force. They have two daughters, Shayla Parker (husband Dominick) and Tajana Jones. Verdell Jones’ granddaughter, Brooklynn, is her pride and joy. Her biggest inspiration is her mother, Mrs. Bernice Bacon, who is 91 years old and full of life and wisdom.

Richard Hayes

Hayes was born in Frankfurt, Germany, and raised in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. His father, Andrew Hayes, was a soldier in the U.S. Army and worked as a Boiler Operator for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

“My father always instilled in me the importance and value of education and hard work,” Hayes said. “Because of this understanding, I graduated from Pine Bluff High School and began my military career, where I served for 10 years working as an Air Traffic Control Specialist.”

After leaving the Army, Hayes continued working for the Department of Defense as an Air Traffic Controller while also attending Columbia College at Fort Stewart to complete his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration in 2009. Hayes’ military career afforded him opportunities to set himself apart as a distinguished soldier and leader, earning Army Commendation Medals, Meritorious Service Medals, and being selected to march in the Presidential Inauguration Parade for President Bill Clinton in Washington, D.C.

In 2006, he founded New Day Community Church to give those who have lost their way a fresh start. This ministry is active throughout Liberty County and has left its footprint on the city of Walthourville.

Hayes’ desire to bring people together led to his appointment as the president of the United Ministerial Alliance of Liberty County.

“This diverse group of pastors gather regularly for fellowship and make themselves available to spiritually lead Liberty County when called upon,” he said. “I am also a leader on the Coastal Regional Commission Council; the vice president of the Liberty County High School Governance Team; a member of the City of Hinesville Youth Council Advisory Board, the LCSS Wellness Committee, the Hinesville Area Arts Council, and the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce; and I’m actively engaged in various organizations to enhance the community that I love.”

Hayes has been married for over 25 years to Opel S. Hayes. They have three beautiful children and currently reside in the city of Hinesville.

Question: What made you decide to run for board chair?

Jones: First and foremost, I am running for school board chair because I care. I care about student achievement, our teachers and staff, and our community. I understand that a quality education is the common denominator for success in life.

As a current board member, I realize the importance of confident and experienced leadership. On the heels of a horrific pandemic that has affected the education system and quality of life for many, it is vitally important that our school board chairperson is experienced and knowledgeable to provide the leadership necessary for continued success.

I also understand the diversity of our community; from growing up here, to being a military spouse, as well as being a part of the business and faith communities. These experiences make me fully aware that we must serve the needs of all our children and families.

Hayes: On several occasions I’ve been asked, “Why don’t you run for the Board of Education?” Usually, I shrug it off and never really take it seriously, but as the inquiries increased with this election season, I took a serious look at the opportunity, prayed about it, spoke with my family, and then qualified to serve.

Childhood education has always been one of my chief concerns, but with my vast experience in leadership and community partnerships, I feel that this is the right time for me to run for board chair.

Q: What are some of the things you’d like to work towards?

Jones: Student achievement will always be our first priority; therefore, I will continue to work towards supporting the day-to-day operations that produce student success. I will also support continued efforts to hire, train and retain qualified teachers and staff and make the LCSS a great place to work.

Since safety is a critical aspect of the learning environment, under my leadership, we will seek ways to keep our students and staff safe by exploring new and innovate methods of doing so.

I will lead the board to be a solid, cohesive group of well-trained members equipped to make decisions and implement policies and procedures that will affect positive changes to advance of our system.

I will support funding programs and trainings to help equip our students, teachers and staff cope with social, mental and financial issues that they may face.

As a governance team, we will develop and strengthen existing policies that will include local and minority participation. Also, I will pursue increased engagement with our military community to ensure we meet the needs of all district members.

Hayes: I want to help change the climate and culture of our school system, starting with teacher/ staff engagement. I will face the issue of teacher retention and recruitment head-on. Teachers are exiting the profession at an alarming rate. Now is the time to evaluate the situation, engage quality teachers and entice educators to choose Liberty County.

Next, I would like to address student opportunities. I will fight for our students’ future by advocating for resources, educational and athletic services, and innovative options to enhance youth engagement and promote next-level education.

Financial reporting and clarity will be a top priority. No one likes to feel in the dark when it comes to where their tax dollars are spent. Whether it’s federal incentives, ESPLOST or salary increases, I believe every taxpayer’s dollar utilized by the Board of Education should be traceable, identifiable and explained in an efficient and effective manner.

Ultimately, I want to provide accessible leadership. Leadership that is open and accessible creates a safe space for growth. I stand firmly on the core values instilled during my time in military service. Leading with integrity, honor and courage is not just something I pledge; it is something I have done and am committed to. I vow to stay focused on the mission to achieve our common goals while including stakeholders in the process.

However, my immediate concern is to ensure that the Board of Education stays focused on our role and goals to help develop a positive climate of change for our students, teachers, staff and leadership.

Question: Why do you feel qualified to hold this position?

Jones: I am qualified to hold this position as board chair because I have served as an active and engaged member of this board for the past 13-plus years and have held numerous other board positions within the county. I have over 30 years of successful business experience in various capacities.

As a member of the school board, I have a proven track record of support to the system that has experienced success in many areas. To name a few: a 2021 Cognia Accreditation of Excellence for the Liberty County School System; a graduation rate of 93.7%; increased dual enrollment and Advanced Placement opportunities; provided state-of-the-art technology to include one-onone iPad initiative for all students, teachers, and paraprofessionals; supplement pay, bonuses, pay increases and benefits to staff; operated within our approved budget; completed numerous construction projects on time and within budget; and portrayed a system that attracted millions of dollars in grants and scholarships to our system and students.

Hayes: I am qualified because leadership is about service, and I have a well-documented resume of service to Liberty County. I have the skills, knowledge, and ability to accomplish the job. Speaking with parents, students, and staff, they all agree that we need people who are new, innovative and connected to the system.

My wife and I have raised three children in this school system. Two of our children have graduated and become productive citizens of Liberty County. Our third child is still a student within the system, which gives me a firsthand perspective of how our staff and students can be further supported.

I’ve always represented parents, students, and staff through various volunteer opportunities, from strategic planning sessions with the Board of Education and my current appointment on the LCSS Wellness Committee to actively serving on the Student Governance Teams at half of the schools within our LCSS. I’ve worked with multi-million-dollar budgets as a member of the Coastal Regional Commission, I’ve rallied community leaders as the president of the United Ministerial Alliance, and I’ve cared for the needs of people as the senior pastor of New Day Community Church. I am uniquely qualified and ready for the challenge.

Q: What is something you’d like to bring to the BOE that you think is currently lacking?

Jones: As chairperson, first, I will seek to engage a greater partnership with all stakeholders, county and city entities, organizations, and support groups to help strengthen and support the overall education process.

Secondly, securing additional funding sources will be another focus. Our federal and state fundings are mostly earmarked for specific items that directly affect teaching and learning, leaving other necessary and innovated items unfunded. I plan to lead the effort to build a foundation that will allow donations from various sources to fund these shortfalls through a tax-advantaged method.

Additionally, I will also lead an effort to create a two-way portal for parents and stakeholders to exchange ideas and suggestions with board members on ways we can enhance the education process as a collaborative team.

In conclusion, I am passionate about making sure that all children receive a quality education that will prepare them for a successful life. I am confident that I can lead this school system to greatness and produce Excellence in Everything! To learn more about me, you can visit my website at www.verdellforchair.com.

Hayes: Not that it is lacking, but I would like to bring a visible sense of compassion and concern for the voice of important stakeholders in the future of education in Liberty County. Teachers spend a majority of their day working with our future leaders; I want to hear their voices and implement their creative ideas. Children have more responsibilities and challenges than we’ve ever known; I want to hear their voices and meet their needs. Parents have valid concerns about what’s happening in our school and the leadership guiding their children’s education; I want to hear their voices and address concerns. I want to ensure that we all work together for a better Liberty County School System prepared for the future!