Henry County Board of Education Elects Chair, Vice Chair for 2026

HENRY COUNTY, GA – The Henry County Board of Education unanimously re-elected Sophe Pope (Dist. 4) as Board Chair and unanimously elected board member Makenzie McDaniel (Dist. 5) as Board Vice Chair during a special called meeting on Jan. 8.

Pope, who has been an HCS board member since 2019, was elected vice chair in Jan. 2023 and board chair in Jan. 2024, and will serve in this capacity for a third consecutive term.

“I am honored to continue serving as board chair,” Pope said. “I am grateful to my colleagues and appreciative of their confidence in my commitment to students, educators, and families across the district. We have made significant strides in enhancing the educational experience, and I am excited to continue this vital work with this incredible governance team.”

McDaniel has been an HCS board member since Jan. 2021 and has demonstrated an unquestionable passion for public education and student and teacher welfare throughout his tenure.

“I am honored that my colleagues have entrusted me with serving in such an integral role as we strive to ensure a high-quality, world-class education for every student,” McDaniel said. “I consider it a privilege to continue working alongside this remarkable governance team in this capacity, and I will remain a passionate advocate for our students and staff as we drive initiatives forward to provide the best in public education for Henry County families.”

The unanimous votes underscore the award-winning board’s shared priorities and its ongoing commitment to stable, collaborative leadership that supports high-quality learning and instruction throughout the district.

“This appointment by my colleagues is especially bittersweet, as it comes just two days after the passing of my grandfather, Mr. Jimmy Barron,” McDaniel added. “The legacy he leaves behind and the investment he and so many others made in me are the reasons I serve where I serve and whom I serve. This moment belongs to him.”

“Congratulations to Board Chair Sophe Pope and Board Vice Chair MaKenzie McDaniel,” said Superintendent Dr. John Pace III. “This exemplary Board of Education has consistently proven that a high-performing board, built on a unified governance framework, is essential for cultivating a high-performing school district. We remain dedicated to our ambitious pursuit of exceptional, which relies on each of us, from the governance team to school and district leaders, committing to excellence and advancing student outcomes. As we embrace 2026, I look forward to what we will accomplish in ensuring our community’s aspirations for its children will continue to guide every policy and strategic action this board pursues. We commit to upholding our collaborative philosophy as we strive to deliver the best educational opportunities to every student in Henry County Schools.”

Dr. Pam Nutt (Dist. 1), previous Vice Chair Annette Edwards (Dist. 2), and Jennifer Carter (Dist. 3) continue their tenure as board members.

McDaniel joined Pope in his first board leadership role during the Jan. 12 board meeting.

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