Tift County Schools is proud to announce the release of our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, a five-year roadmap designed to guide our district’s continued growth and success.

This plan represents months of thoughtful work and collaboration, building directly on the feedback and results gathered during our recent COGNIA reaccreditation process. Throughout that process, we received valuable input from a wide range of stakeholders—including students, staff, families, community members, and district leaders. Their voices played a critical role in shaping the goals, priorities and initiatives included in this long-term vision.

The 2025–2030 Strategic Plan outlines key goals that will support student achievement, strengthen operations, and increase engagement of stakeholders to ensure Tift County Schools continues moving forward with purpose and momentum.

It is important to note that this is a five-year plan, and the initiatives and tactics included, will be implemented gradually over that timeframe. The work outlined is not intended to happen all at once, but rather through a phased approach that allows for careful planning, ongoing evaluation, and sustainable progress, with different tactics of focus each year.

As we move into this next chapter, we remain committed to maintaining transparency, engaging our community, and working together to support the success of every student.

We invite all stakeholders to review the plan and join us as we continue striving toward our mission of Collaborate | Learn | Achieve. CLICK HERE view the full plan. 

The Board of Education voted to approve the calendar for the 2026 - 2027 School Year: 

Following the 30 Day period of public comment and review, the board approved the following policies: 

Revision to Board Policy IEDA: Recess/Unstructured Break Time

Addition of Board Policy JCDDA: Student Tobacco Use

At the January Board meeting, the Board of Education approved a Resolution approving the ESPLOST language to be presented to voters on the May ballot.  The resolution approves the language to appear on the ballot that voters will be presented with, and includes a description of the scope of the projects anticipated to be completed with ESPLOST VII funds.

Tift County Voters will see this referendum language on the ballot when they vote in May, where they will decide whether to continue the 1 penny sales tax for another 5-year cycle.

What is E-SPLOST?
An Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (E-SPLOST) is a voter-approved one-cent sales tax that can be collected for up to five years or until the established revenue cap is reached. ESPLOST was authorized by state legislation in 1985 to give school districts a way to fund major capital improvements. E-SPLOST revenue can be used for projects such as new/replacement school buildings, renovations, technology, buses, safety upgrades, and debt retirement.

Why an E-SPLOST?
An E-SPLOST is an equitable consumption tax shared by those who make purchases in Tift County, to include numerous visitors. It provides a method to fund the cost of educational improvements with contributions by any and all who make purchases in the county, not just property owners.

Is the E-SPLOST a perpetual tax?
No. It must be voted on by citizens and is limited to a five-year cycle and a dollar limit, whichever comes first. Tift County voters approved an E-SPLOST in: 1997 (1997-2001); 2001 (2002-2007); 2005 (2007-2012); 2011 (2012-2017); 2016 (2017-2022); and  2021 (2022-2027) 

When is the next E-SPLOST vote for Tift County Schools?
May 19, 2026

What is the voter registration deadline?
April 20, 2026 is the last day voters can register to vote in Tift County. Dates and locations for early voting will be announced by the Tift County Elections Office.

Will the E-SPLOST increase my property taxes?

No. The E-SPLOST is a consumption tax, not a property tax. It is charged on certain goods purchased in Tift County, regardless of where the purchaser resides.  Historically, this has served Tifton residents well as 60% of SPLOST dollars generated come from individuals who do not reside in Tift but travel through to shop and purchase goods.

Will the E-SPLOST increase the overall sales tax?
No, it would be a continuation of the current sales tax, remaining at the current level of seven percent. A “Yes” vote would simply extend the current one penny tax for an additional five years. 

How much money will be raised and how long would this sales tax be in place?
The E-SPLOST one-cent tax continuation would be for a limit of $95 million or five years, whichever comes first.

Why is the school district proposing to sell bonds in the E-SPLOST extension?
The school district sells bonds to finance big, long-term investments in a way that enables the system to move forward with new construction in advance of receipt of all the funds, allows for repayment over time, and ensures safe, modern facilities for current and future students.

Why is the E-SPLOST referendum being held now?
An E-SPLOST referendum is being held now because the existing education sales tax is nearing its expiration and the school district needs voter approval to continue collecting the tax so that it can pay for upcoming school facilities and capital projects without requiring the need to increase property taxes to do so.

Why are technology upgrades necessary?
Technology touches nearly every part of our lives, and its importance became unmistakable during the sudden shift to virtual learning brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. This experience highlighted the need for all students to have reliable access to modern tools and digital resources. As we prepare students for college, careers, and a rapidly evolving world, it is essential that our classrooms reflect the technologies shaping that future. 

Required online state testing across all grade levels have already made robust infrastructure and digital readiness a necessity. Beyond that, students must grow comfortable navigating a wide range of devices, platforms, and online environments. By creating learning spaces where digital engagement is a natural part of the school day, we equip our students with the skills, confidence, and adaptability they need to thrive both now and in the years ahead.

Why do we need a new lower middle school?
A new lower middle school is needed to ensure students have safe, adequate, and modern learning environments that meet current and future needs. Tift's current middle schools were built in 1963 and 1971, so are 63 and 55 years old.

How were facilities needs identified?
Facility needs are identified in a 5-year and 20 year facility plan that include careful and ongoing planning processes that look at the condition and maintenance of school buildings today and the needs of students in the future. The process includes regular facility assessments, health and safety reviews, enrollment and growth projections, educational program needs, feedback from principals, teachers, staff, and community members, and long- range facilities planning. This criteria is reviewed by district leadership, the State Department of Education, and the Board of Education to ensure that limited resources are directed first to critical needs and projects that best support student learning and safety.

Check out a list of completed and upcoming projects at: https://www.tiftschools.com/page/esplost

What percent of E-SPLOST dollars are typically collected from visitors to Tift instead of those who reside in Tift? While this is a difficult number to quantify exactly, previous estimates have placed this at around 60%.  This means that roughly 60% of the funds collected in Tift via E-SPLOST comes from those who do not reside in Tift County. 

What happens if the E-SPLOST does not pass?
If voters do not approve the continuation of E-SPLOST, the District will lose a vital source of funding for building renovations, new facilities, safety upgrades, buses, instructional materials, and technology. 

Without this support, the Board of Education would be forced to raise the millage rate to pay off existing bonds that voters approved in the previous E-SPLOST referendum.  Additional millage rate increases would be needed to pay for essential projects and purchases that have historically been paid for by E-SPLOST funds, placing a heavier financial burden on local homeowners and businesses. 

E-SPLOST allows these costs to be shared by everyone who shops in Tift County, not just property owners. It is the pathway to securing a strong future not only for our schools, but for Tift County as a whole.

Why is it important for community members without school-aged children to support the E-SPLOST extension?    This helps keep ad valorem taxes and property taxes low, but the benefits extend far beyond the tax roll. Strong schools enrich an entire community. They cultivate informed citizens, support a competitive workforce, and create a welcoming environment for families and businesses alike. When companies or prospective residents consider relocating, one of their first questions is often, “What is the quality of the schools?” A thriving school district signals stability, opportunity, and long-term promise for everyone who calls the community home.

Construction on the new 7–8 middle school continues to make strong progress. The building pad has now been completed, providing the foundation for the next major phases of development, and crews have successfully cut a new access road from Old Ocilla Road to support ongoing construction activity. Upcoming work will include the start of storm water and sewer installation, followed closely by the beginning of footing installation. These milestones mark important steps forward as we continue building a state-of-the-art learning environment for our future middle school students.

Construction continues to move forward on the new multipurpose pavilion project. As part of the next phase of work, turf is being removed and placed in storage for future use. Temporary fencing will also be installed to clearly separate the construction site from daily school activities. In addition, access to the affected parking lot will be limited to construction personnel only until the completion of the project. These measures are being taken to ensure safety and minimize disruptions while this important facility improvement progresses.

In December, the district’s Fine Arts box truck received a brand-new wrap designed to celebrate and highlight the creativity and talent of our Fine Arts Department.

The updated design gives the truck a fresh, professional look while proudly representing the important role fine arts play in our schools and community. Following the installation of the wrap, the Tift County Schools Transportation Department completed the remaining exterior touch-ups to finalize the project and ensure it was ready to hit the road.

This facelift is another example of how Tift County Schools continues to showcase student opportunities and district pride in every aspect of our work. Whether transporting equipment or supporting performances and events, the Fine Arts box truck now serves as a moving symbol of the outstanding arts programs across our schools.

Annually, school systems throughout the state participate in climate surveys with parents, students, and school staff each taking surveys. This information informs the school climate rating within the state's CCRPI (College and Career Ready Performance Index).

Parents with children enrolled in Tift County Schools are invited to complete a climate survey for each school where you have a child attending.

Annie Belle Clark Elementary: https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=68416666

Charles Spencer Elementary: https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=0569F8E1

G O Bailey Elementary: https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=B9025B27

J T Reddick Elementary: https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=AFDBF04C

Len Lastinger Elementary: https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=4981D67A

Matt Wilson Elementary: https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=103F6F05

Northside Elementary: https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=6DFF50F6

Omega Elementary: https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=AA651F02

Eighth Street Middle School: https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=639CE9CC

Northeast Middle School: https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=7FA415A0

Tift County High School: https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=5334A9BD