Fayette School Board Calls for Hough’s Resignation as Speakers Rally Behind Noland

The Fayette County Board of Education voted Monday to formally call for board member Randy Hough to resign following state findings tied to the First Liberty Ponzi scheme, while public comment later in the meeting showed strong community support for Huddleston Elementary principal Josh Noland after his recent DUI arrest.

At the board’s March 23 meeting, the four other board members voted in favor of the resolution, while Hough abstained, according to a correspondent in attendance.

School Board Chair Scott Hollowell presented the resolution. According to a correspondent in the room, when Hollowell asked for a second to the motion, multiple audience members called out in support—an unusual moment that reflected the mood in the room.

The resolution cites an emergency order from the Georgia Secretary of State barring Hough from the securities industry, imposing a $500,000 civil penalty, and referring the case for possible criminal prosecution. The full resolution reads:

“Whereas, Mr. Hough currently serves on the Fayette County Board of Education;
Whereas, the Secretary of State’s office has issued an Emergency Order barring Mr. Hough from the securities industry, fining him $500,000, and referring his case for criminal prosecution;
Now, therefore, given these circumstances, the Board believes it is in the best interest of the School Board and the Fayette County School System that Mr. Hough resign from the School Board.”

The action follows earlier findings by state regulators tying Hough to the First Liberty Ponzi scheme. A report released Monday by court-appointed receiver Gregory Hays estimates the total scope of the First Liberty Ponzi scheme at approximately $155 million, an increase from earlier public figures.

Hough did not visibly react during the presentation of the resolution, according to the correspondent.

Public comment calls for resignation

During public comment, multiple speakers urged Hough to step down, framing the issue as one of integrity and public trust.

“I would hope, sir, that you would go ahead and resign, because that is a good character trait to do the right thing, and we need to show our kids that better example,” Gerald Poland told the board.

Timoria Saba read from a petition calling for Hough’s resignation, stating, “For the sake of the students, families, educators and taxpayers of Fayette County, we believe the honorable and responsible step is for Mr. Huff to resign his position on the Fayette County Board of Education.”

Selena Hobbs said, “It’s not about punishment, it’s about protecting the integrity of our school system. Our students, families and educators deserve leadership that reflects the highest ethical standards.”

Another speaker added, “Integrity does not turn on and off depending on the setting,” arguing that the same judgment involved in the case now affects decisions impacting Fayette County students.

Support rallies around Noland

In contrast, multiple speakers stood in support of Huddleston Elementary principal Josh Noland, emphasizing his leadership record while acknowledging his recent DUI arrest.

Jessica Polish, a Huddleston parent, said a petition supporting Noland’s return had reached 453 verified signatures as of the meeting.

“While we don’t excuse this action, we believe it does not define his character or overshadow the years of integrity, leadership and care he has consistently demonstrated,” Polish said.

Huddleston administrative assistant Daphne Smalley spoke about Noland’s support during her cancer treatment.

“One mistake while serious, doesn’t erase years of hard work, dedication and positive impact,” Smalley said.

Another parent described Noland as a key advocate for her special-needs child, adding, “Please allow this guiding light to continue shining in a world that sometimes feels dark and increasingly apathetic.”

A tale of two responses

The meeting reflected a clear contrast in how the community viewed the two situations.

Speakers addressing Hough focused on conduct tied to the First Liberty Ponzi scheme and the need for accountability in public office. Those speaking about Noland repeatedly described his arrest as a one-time mistake and urged the board to consider his full record.

The board’s resolution does not remove Hough from office. Under Georgia law, elected school board members cannot be removed by fellow board members, meaning any removal would require resignation or a formal recall process initiated by voters.