By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Better Together.
Faculty and staff of Union City Schools were encouraged to adopt the ‘all-for-one-and-one-for-all’ philosophy for the 2025-26 school year on Day 1 of professional development activities on Monday.
Director of Schools Wes Kennedy and Director of Teachers and Learning Lance Morgan welcomed back more than 250 employees for the upcoming school year in a kickoff that was both rewarding and encouraging for all those who wear the Purple and Gold.
Kennedy – beginning his ninth year as the system’s top administrator – praised the large group for their past successes and encouraged them to continue to be unified for even greater accomplishments amid challenging times.
“When we work together, we’re better at everything,” Kennedy said in his traditional state-of-the-system address that ended the morning session on the first of three PD days that will also include extensive training.
“I’m not asking you to be better than last year, or the year before. I’m just telling you that if we’re together, being better will take care of itself.”
Kennedy concluded his remarks by continuing a popular tradition in which he announced several ‘perks’ for faculty and staff. A state-mandated $2,000 bonus for all certified personnel, along with a bonus for those non-certified workers, drew a big round of applause, as did the announcement of each employee receiving a $150 gift card from local grocer E.W. James.
Employees also received ‘swag’ that included UC sweatshirts and white buttoned-down shirts with the system logo.
Morgan, who has moved to the central office and a new position after serving as principal at UC Middle School and as a teacher at the high school, put together a fun program that saw many members of the staff win gift cards from area businesses as well as other nice prizes.
A scavenger hunt that sent faculty and staff to all three campuses to take entertaining photos was the highlight of Morgan’s presentation.
Among the many prizes awarded in random drawings were a 50-inch television, a smokeless fire pit, overnight stays at Paris Landing State Park, and a bed-and-breakfast in Guys, TN, along with tickets to see comedian John Christ at the Carson Center in Paducah.
There were also gift cards given out from Walmart, Moustos, Nutrition 33, and Casey’s.
Kennedy, who also spoke glowingly of the support of the UC School Board and the UC City Council, said it was his mission to ensure that the system continues its recent success, which includes lofty test scores and high state rankings.
“You’ll be provided with everything you need to be successful in your classrooms,” he claimed. “You’ve done a wonderful job of ignoring any ‘noise’ from the outside, and I encourage you to continue to do so.
“We’re going to continue to take care of each other and be accountable to one another and our students.”
New staff members were introduced by each of their respective building principals. Leaders Credit Union continued its tradition of sponsoring a hearty breakfast for the staff, with the Willow Tree of Obion in charge of the menu.
Five of the seven UC Board of Education members were in attendance.
UC teachers will continue with PD meetings and training on Tuesday and Wednesday, with students registering for the coming school year on Thursday.
The first day of classes for UC Schools students is Monday, Aug. 11.