Melissa Butler sworn in as Oconee County Schools superintendent as district readies E-SPLOST outreach

Melissa Butler was sworn in on Oct. 6 as superintendent of Oconee County Schools during a board work session, with Judge Hunsinger administering the oath of office. The board recessed regular business to hold the ceremony and then continued the session.

The swearing-in marked the start of a transition from interim leadership. Dr. Horton, who said he had served as Oconee County’s interim superintendent, welcomed Butler and offered to assist during the transition. “It’s truly been an honor to serve as Oconee County’s interim superintendent,” Horton said, and he told Butler she was “stepping into a school system filled with extraordinary educators, principals, and staff.”

The district is also preparing voter outreach related to a proposed one-cent education special-purpose local-option sales tax, commonly called E-SPLOST, which will appear on the Nov. 4 general-election ballot. Dr. Horton and staff described outreach efforts that include social media content, meetings with school councils and town officials, and presentations to civic groups. Early voting for the election will run Oct. 14–30, the district said.

Board members held the swearing-in during the October work session; no formal board action on the E-SPLOST occurred at the meeting. Administrators said Butler and district staff will continue community briefings in the coming weeks, and that Butler and board members planned meetings with civic organizations as part of the transition and public information effort.

The board adjourned the public portion of the work session into executive session later in the meeting to discuss personnel matters.