Guess sworn in as newest member of JCBOE

Angela Guess is sworn into her new position on the Jackson County Board of Education Nov. 10.

By Danielle Wallingsford Kirkland

After more than 37 years of service to the Jackson County school system Angela Guess is making the transition from employee to board member. A reception and swearing in ceremony was held in her honor at 4:30 p.m. today at the Jackson County Board of Education.

Guess said she couldn’t think of a single thing she wouldn’t miss about her career with the county.

“I will miss the children. I will miss the teachers. I will miss the people in this building. I loved what I did. I loved it so much,” Guess said.  

A large crowd gathered Nov. 10 at the Jackson County Board of Education to celebrate Angela Guess's 37 years of service and to witness her swearing in ceremony.

When asked what her biggest accomplishment was, Guess reflected on times when Jackson County teachers and students successfully tackled new tests and other challenges.

“If I had a little part in that, that makes me happy,” she said.

As she makes her transition, Guess said she hopes to bring art and music back into county schools.

“Music and art got stripped out of our curriculum because of so much testing. Teachers feel like they don’t have time (for music and art) … I would like to do some volunteer work in that area,” she said, adding that she would like to form a foundation or other form of fundraising for the two lost subject areas. 

Angela Guess addresses the crowd after being sworn in as the newest member of the Jackson County Board of Education.

Before her swearing in ceremony, Superintendent-elect Kevin Dukes praised Guess for her many years of service to the students in the county.

“People come and go,” Dukes said. “Some people are very replaceable, and then there are some that are irreplaceable, and (Guess) is one of those people.”

Superintendent-elect Kevin Dukes speaks about Angela Guess's dedication to Jackson County.

Dukes added that he looks forward to seeing Guess bring her knowledge and experience to the board of education.

“The future of Jackson County is bright, and I am proud to call her a friend,” Dukes said.

Judge John Graham presided over the swearing in ceremony.

“I’m proud of what you have done for the children of this county,” Graham said. “You have made it a better place for all of us to live and work.”

Guess will take part in her first board meeting as a member at 4:30 p.m., November 14 at the Teacher Resource Center, located inside the Jackson County Board of Education office building.