Board of Education Members

District 1: Rev. John J. Kirkpatrick, IV
Board Experience

Appointed in 2021

Elected in 2022. Term expires in November 2026.

Reason for serving on the BOE

To help enhance the quality of education for all students, no matter their social status or challenges. I am committed to bridging the gap between community and education for a successful and bright future for all.

Education

B.S. Political Science; Morris College

Committees

Curriculum

Policy

John H. Crowder Service Award

Appeals B

Liaison

Marshville

Wingate

Contact Rev. Kirkpatrick

400 N. Church Street
Monroe, NC 28112

john.kirkpatrick@ucps.k12.nc.us
District 2: Matt Helms
Board Experience
- Elected in 2016
Reason for serving on the BOE
- To create a positive learning experience for the students of UCPS that will get them ready for higher education or to join today's workforce upon graduation.
Education
- B.A. Geography; University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Committees
- Facilities
- Strategic Planning, Technology and Transportation (Co-Chair)
- Appeals Team B (Chair)
Liaison
- Legislative Liaison
- Safety Committee
- Mineral Springs
Contact Mr. Helms
- 400 N. Church Street
  Monroe, NC 28112
- matt.helms@ucps.k12.nc.us
District 3: Gary Sides
Board Experience
- Elected in 2014
- Elected in 2018
- Elected in 2022. Term expires in November 2026.
Reason for serving on the BOE
- I ran to serve on the Board of Education because I believe I can have a positive impact on our school system. I will do my best for our students and their parents, our teachers and the entire UCPS staff.
Education
- B.S. Finance, University of Illinois, Certified Insurance Counselor, Associate In Risk Management
Committees
- Finance (Chair)
- Facilities
- Policy
- Appeals B
Liaison
- BOCC
- Indian Trail
- Monroe
Contact Mr. Sides
- 400 N. Church Street
  Monroe, NC 28112
- Email: gary.sides@ucps.k12.nc.us
- Phone: 704-236-7851
District 4: Sandra Greene
Board Experience
- Elected in 2022. Term expires in November 2026.
Reason for serving on the BOE
- I want to be an advocate for our children, and a voice for the parents, teachers and staff, as we are all integral parts of the education system here in Union County. I am honored to represent District 4 and I look forward to serving Union County and working together with our community.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration from Taylor University, Upland, Indiana
Committees
- Curriculum
- Strategic Planning, Technology and Transportation
- Appeals A
Liaison
- Fairview
- Hemby Bridge
Contact Mrs. Greene
- 400 N. Church Street
  Monroe, NC 28112
- sandra.greene@ucps.k12.nc.us
District 5: Joseph Morreale
Board Experience
- Elected in 2016
Reason for serving on the BOE
- To institute policy that will allow Union County residents to enjoy the greatest schools in the region while doing everything in my power to maintain the low tax rate.
Education
- Bachelor of Science, Niagara University
Committees
- Finance
- Strategic Planning, Technology & Transportation (Co-Chair)
- Appeals C
Liaison
- Weddington
Contact Mr. Morreale
- 400 N. Church Street
  Monroe, NC 28112
- joseph.morreale@ucps.k12.nc.us
District 6: Kathy Heintel (Chair)
Board Experience
- Elected in 2016
- Elected in 2022. Term expires in November 2026.
Reason for serving on the BOE
- To have a positive impact on our schools. To provide our teachers and students with the necessary tools so our students can achieve. To work together in a positive and transparent manner with students, teachers, parents, communities and the county.
Education
- A.B. in Political Science, University of Michigan (1987) and JD, Case Western Reserve University School of Law (1997)
Committees
- Curriculum
- Policy (Chair)
- Appeals C
Liaison
- Legislative Liaison
- BOCC
- Marvin
Contact Mrs. Heintel
- 400 N. Church Street
  Monroe, NC 28112
- kathy.heintel@ucps.k12.nc.us
At-Large: Rev. Jimmy H. Bention, Sr. (Vice Chair)
Board Experience
- Appointed in 2014 for a short term
- Appointed in 2020
- Elected in 2022. Term expires in November 2026.
Reason for serving on the BOE
- To fulfill the remaining term of a vacant board seat. As a prior Board of Education member, this opportunity will provide continuity for UCPS. My passion for UCPS is well known throughout our county and my serving will give the citizens a very familiar face. Hopefully, bringing calm, to the recent concerns that led to the vacancy. I am confident my coming back will allow us, as a board and country, to move forward.
Education
- Practical Theology, Diploma, International Seminary, Plymouth, Fl.
- Fitness & Nutrition, Diploma, Ashworth College, Norcross, Ga.
- Red Springs High School, Red Springs, N.C.
Committees
- Finance
- Policy
- Appeals A (Chair)
Liaison
- BOCC Liason
- Weddington
Contact Rev. Bention
- 400 N. Church Street
  Monroe, NC 28112
- Jimmy.Bention@ucps.k12.nc.us
At-Large: Todd Price
Board Experience
- Appointed 2019
- Elected in 2020
Reason for serving on the BOE
- It is my belief that the greatest benefit is our thriving school system. By serving on the BOE I believe I can further the tradition of strong public schools in our community. As a parent of two graduates from Union County Public School students, I have witnessed first-hand the educational, social and emotional benefits that comes with our school system. I want to protect the identity of the public education system amidst various external pressures.
Education
- Attended UNC Charlotte and graduated from BB&T Banking School at Wake Forest University
Committees
- Finance
- Facilities
- Appeals A
Liaison
- Safety Committee
Contact Mr. Price
- 400 N. Church Street
  Monroe, NC 28112
- todd.price@ucps.k12.nc.us
At-Large: Sarah May
Board Experience
- Appointed 2020
Reason for serving on the BOE
- To serve as an advocate for equitable education for all children in UCPS with a focus on college and career readiness so that every student graduates with the tools for a successful and productive future.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts, Florida State University
Committees
- Curriculum (Chair)
- Facilities (Chair)
- Strategic Planning, Technology and Transportation
- Appeals C (Chair)
Liaison
- Wesley Chapel
Contact Mrs. May
- 400 N. Church Street
  Monroe, NC 28112
- sarah.may@ucps.k12.nc.us

Board of Education Members

District 1: Rev. John J. Kirkpatrick, IV

District 2: Matt Helms

District 3: Gary Sides

District 4: Sandra Greene

District 5: Joseph Morreale

District 6: Kathy Heintel (Chair)

At-Large: Rev. Jimmy H. Bention, Sr. (Vice Chair)

At-Large: Todd Price

At-Large: Sarah May