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Forsyth County Board of Education swears in three newly elected members
Summary
Christopher Grimes, Tricia Hoyes and Dorian Usherwood were formally sworn in at a special ceremony for the Forsyth County Board of Education; remarks highlighted service, family support and the board’s focus on continuity and student success.
At a special ceremony at Forsyth County Schools, the Forsyth County Board of Education formally administered oaths of office to newly elected board members Christopher Grimes, Tricia Hoyes and Dorian Usherwood.
The swearing-in included an invocation by Pastor Jeff Jackson of First Redeemer Church and the administration of statutory oaths and loyalty oaths by local judges. Judge Daisy Weeks administered the oath to Christopher Grimes and Dorian Usherwood; Judge Heather M. Dunn administered the oath to Tricia Hoyes.
The event foregrounded service and continuity. Vice Chair Mike Valdez, Forsyth County Board of Education, reminded attendees that board service is not highly paid, saying, “we make, you know, a few $100 a month as board members.” The board also recognized the role families and school staff play in supporting members’ service.
New board member Christopher Grimes, introduced with a background in public safety and prior work as a deputy sheriff and school safety manager, said the moment felt personal: “this is a kind of a full circle moment for me.” Grimes’s biographical remarks at the ceremony noted he has lived in Forsyth since 2000, holds degrees from the University of North Georgia and Columbus State University, and has more than 15 years of public-safety experience.
Tricia Hoyes, introduced as a former elementary and special education teacher and a national board–certified teacher who later worked in real estate and served as a foster parent, thanked family members and supporters at the ceremony, saying, “I would just like to say thank you so much to my family who’s here.”
Dorian Usherwood, introduced with experience in consulting, data and technology and described as coming from a family of educators, said his faith will guide his approach to service: “God is my ultimate constituent, and that’s who I am faithful to first and foremost.” The ceremony program noted Usherwood returned to Forsyth in 2021 after living and working abroad.
Officials present included board veterans and county elected officials invited to attend. Speakers emphasized the board’s existing strategic plan and the district’s aim to continue stable governance. Staff and principals were recognized and invited to participate in the reception following the ceremony. The board announced it will reconvene for its first scheduled business meeting at 5:30 p.m.
The oath texts administered at the ceremony required each appointee to swear support for the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of Georgia and to affirm they met residency and qualification requirements for the office.
