Upcoming Board of Education Meeting

The Board will meet for a special called meeting on June 30, 2026 beginning at 12 pm. The purpose of this meeting is the Fiscal Year budget close out. Action will be taken at this special called meeting.

The Board will meet for a special called meeting on July 14, 2026 beginning at 4 pm. The purpose of this meeting is to receive information from architects regarding plans for a new Pk-8 school for the Murphy reporting district. No action will be taken at this meeting.

The next regular Board of Education meeting will be held on July 16, 2026 beginning at 5:30 pm. The public is welcome to attend.

Cherokee County Board Education Selects Angel Owens as New Superintendent

May 21, 2026

The Cherokee County Board of Education is pleased to announce it has selected Angel Owens as the School System’s new Superintendent during its meeting on May 21, 2026. Ms. Owens will be replacing Dr. Keevin Woody who has served as the School System’s Superintendent since November 1, 2022. Dr. Woody thanks the Cherokee County Board of Education for the wonderful opportunity working for Cherokee County Schools and wishes all well in their future endeavors.

Ms. Owens is in her 29^th year as an educator, having served in various capacities as a teacher and, most recently, as a district-level administrator since 2014. Currently, Ms. Owens is the Chief Officer for Human Resources and Federal Programs for Clay County Schools, a role she has held since January 2022. In addition, Ms. Owens also serves other administrative roles including Director of Exceptional Children Programs. In her current role, among other things, Ms. Owens supervises the human resources department, manages all hiring and recruiting for qualified school employees, oversees the licensure and evaluation process for certified staff, manages training and development for school staff and oversees and conducts compliance reviews for the exceptional children department and federal programs.

“We are excited to welcome Ms. Owens as the next Superintendent of Cherokee County Schools,” said Mr. Steve Coleman, Chair of the Board of Education. “Ms. Owens has an impressive breadth of experience as an educator, having held a wide range of positions. She impressed the Board with her focus on student success as well as her overall vision to lead Cherokee County Schools into the future. Ms. Owens is the right person to lead Cherokee County Schools forward, and we can't wait for the great things in store for our District and its students.”

Ms. Owens earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Carolina University. She also holds a master’s degree from Piedmont College and an educational specialist degree in educational administration and supervision from Lincoln Memorial University.

“I am humbled and honored to be selected as the new Superintendent of Cherokee County Schools,” Ms. Owens said. “It is a privilege to serve in the same District where I grew up, attended Peachtree Elementary School, graduated from Murphy High School, and completed one degree at Tri-County Community College. I look forward to partnering with staff, families, and community members to build on the District’s strong sense of community pride and culture while continuing our shared commitment to preparing students to become strong future community members and leaders.”

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Ms. Owens enjoys gardening and outdoor activities, following professional, college, and local athletics, participating in community activities, and spending time with friends and family.

Ms. Owens will begin her work as Superintendent on July 1, 2026.