The Newton County Board of Education unanimously elected District 1 representative Trey Bailey to serve as Board Chair during its work session meeting on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Bailey succeeds District 5 representative Abigail Coggin, who requested to step down from the leadership position due to increased responsibilities in her full-time career.
Coggin, who has served as Board Chair multiple times during her tenure, explained that her decision was based on the time commitment required of the position and her desire to ensure the Board has consistent leadership as it prepares for the months ahead.
“I have taken on new responsibilities in my full-time job, and I just do not feel that I have the time to put in what needs to be done as chair,” Coggin said. “As everyone knows, I chose not to run for re-election and will be gone at the end of December. We have lots of things coming down the road, and the current chair really needs to be involved and on the Board next year.”
Board protocol would normally call for the vice chair to assume the role of chair. However, current Vice Chair and District 3 representative Shakila Henderson-Baker respectfully declined the position, citing the time commitment required to effectively serve as chair.
Bailey thanked his fellow Board members for their confidence in him while also recognizing Coggin’s leadership and service.
“I want to express gratitude for the nomination, but I think the public should know that we did everything in our power to keep her from stepping down from this position,” Bailey said. Turning to Coggin, he added, “We would love to see you bang that gavel until the end of December.”
Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley III expressed his appreciation to Coggin for her leadership and congratulated Bailey on his new role.
“Mrs. Coggin has given many years of service to the students, employees, families, and community of Newton County, and I am extremely grateful for the leadership she has provided, including the many times she has stepped forward to serve as Board Chair,” Bradley said. “Her experience, knowledge of our school system, and commitment to Newton County have been tremendous assets to this Board and our district. I thank her for her service as chair and look forward to continuing to work with her during the remainder of her term. I also congratulate Mr. Bailey on his election as Board Chair. He brings significant leadership experience and a deep connection to this community, and I look forward to working closely with him as we continue moving Newton County Schools forward.”
Coggin has represented District 5 on the Newton County Board of Education since January 2011 and has served as chair multiple times during her tenure. A lifelong Newton County resident and graduate of Newton County High School, she currently serves as Executive Director of the Arts Association in Newton County and is a member of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Coggin did not seek re-election, and her current Board term concludes at the end of December.
Bailey has represented District 1 on the Newton County Board of Education since 2016. A lifelong Newton County resident, he spent 23 years as Executive Pastor of Eastridge Church and now works as a business and leadership consultant. He has held numerous community leadership roles and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Piedmont Newton Hospital.
“I am grateful for the confidence my fellow Board members have placed in me,” Bailey said. “I look forward to working with each member of this Board, Dr. Bradley, our employees, families, and community as we continue focusing on what matters most, serving the students of Newton County.“
Bailey assumes the role of Board Chair immediately. Henderson-Baker will continue to serve as Vice Chair.