Who’s the new addition to the Houston County school board? What we know
In a 4-2 decision Tuesday, the Houston County Board of Education selected Angel Brown to fill the board’s empty Post 5 seat after weeks of reviewing applications of potential candidates.
Brown was one of seven candidates vying for the spot vacated in March by former board member Helen Hughes, who retired after serving nearly 20 years in the district.
Hughes’ last day was March 31. Brown will serve the rest of Hughes’ term, which expires in Dec. 31, 2028, as previously reported by The Telegraph.
Brown said she looks forward to working with the board and “continue to push Houston County schools to new heights.”
“As a member of the board, I will be an open and attentive ear for the people doing the incredibly important work of shaping our students,” Brown told The Telegraph in a statement. “I will continue to advocate for inclusion and support for all students to have the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed. I will strive to be a good steward of the finances entrusted to the school system as we grow.”
In 2024, Brown ran against current board member Clyde Jackson for the board’s Post 7 seat in the runoff election. Jackson won with 51.76% of the vote.
At the board meeting, board member Lori Johnson moved to appoint Brown for the position. Board members Mark Ivory and Jackson cast the two votes opposing Brown .
On Monday, the board held a work session at Northside Middle School where qualified candidates who submitted applications were allowed to address the board.
Candidates who approached the board were Brown, Maria Smith, Tannya Duncan, Louis Guerra, Mark Scott, Lauren (Rani) Roberts and David Jackson, according to the district’s meeting agenda and district spokesperson Jennifer Jones.
Brown’s appointment to Post 5 was approved after board member Ivory moved to appoint Duncan to fill the seat. The motion failed on a 2-4 vote, with Clyde and Jackson Jr. supporting it.
Jones said the district received eight letters of interest, but one candidate’s residency was not located in the Post 5 area, a requirement for the role.
Additional school board races taking shape
Some Houston County school board members are also seeking re-election to their seats. The general primary is May 19.
On the ballot, according to the Houston County Board of Elections, is:
- Board of Education Post 6 At-Large: Mark Ivory (incumbent) and Andy Thomas
- Board of Education District 2: Lori Smith Johnson and Courtney La Shay Driver
- Board of Education District 4: Jonathan Nichols (incumbent) and Sheila Ashley
This story was originally published April 7, 2026 at 3:51 PM.