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Starting in January 2023, the Troup County School Board will be welcoming two new faces, one of which is Anne O’Brien, the new board member for district 4.

According to O’Brien, she’s always had an interest in joining the school board. Her father, Greg Hurley, served on the West Point school board for 13 years, along with her father-in-law, John O’Brien, who served on the same board.

“My father was such a wonderful role model for us kids,” O’Brien said.

Before deciding to seek a spot on the Troup County School Board, O’Brien, who has been an educator for more than 40 years, talked to her family and friends about the idea.

“I decided, why not? I’m retired. I’ve got a part time job as director of the Chattahoochee Early Learning Academy, and I have a few other things I’ve got my hand in, but I thought why not?” O’Brien said. “Maybe I can make a difference and be a good member of the school board that could help people.”

O’Brien faced no competition in the District 4 race for school board. Becky Grubbs currently represents District 4 on the school board but didn’t run for re-election.

According to O’Brien, she has been an educator and was an administrator in the Troup Country School System for over 20 years.

She feels she can bring experience, resources and insight to the board.

“I know Cathy Hunt is a former retired teacher, which is wonderful,” O’Brien said. “I think it’s wonderful to have some educators on the school board, and I’m hoping I can complement what she’s doing so we can continue to move up the TCSS in a positive direction.”

After a career spanning over two decades, O’Brien said she’d like to be known as someone who is concerned about the students and also the teachers and administrators.

“I’m hoping to go into the schools and meet with administrators, students, teachers and find out how our board can make the most impact,” she said.

When O’Brien takes her seat in January, she plans to focus on reading in the elementary schools and hone in on the needs of middle school teachers, students, and concerns parents have while their child attends middle school.

“I believe I have a pretty good feel of what teachers need and want. I want to make sure that I can provide a good service for teachers in Troup County,” O’Brien said.