The Tift County Board of Education encourages the constructive involvement of community members and school system employees on matters affecting Tift County Schools.
Current matters for which the Board is seeking public review and comment are listed on the right side of this screen. Comments should be submitted via the Google Form link below.
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
We invite you to take time to review and provide input on the development of the Tift County Schools Strategic Plan. We are in the process of developing a 5-year plan that will guide our district’s work and priorities from 2025 - 2030.
Whole Board Training (WBT)
School Board members have annual education and training requirements to serve as a Board member. In September, the Tift County Board of Education engaged in a 3 hour session focused on long-range planning for the system including SPLOST VII planning and Strategic Planning.
During the WBT, Board members examined historical, current, and anticipated future enrollment trend data from a National, State, South Georgia, and Tift perspective inclusive of birth rate data which is a predictor of school enrollment data. These data were coupled with current school enrollment numbers, the number of available vs unused classrooms at our elementary schools, and the implications of unused classrooms on dollars earned from the state to support the maintenance and upkeep of our facilities. The Board of Education utilizes such information to plan for future facility needs and inform the needs for future SPLOST cycles.
Click here to view the entire presentation from the training.
ALL SCHOOLS ENGAGED IN STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS
Throughout the month, district administrators visited Local School Governance Team meetings and faculty meetings at every school across Tift County. These visits provided an opportunity to share the steps that have guided the development of the district’s Goals, Initiatives, and Tactics—the foundation of our strategic planning efforts.
During each meeting, administrators invited participants to provide meaningful feedback on the proposed tactics, as well as on the measures that can be used to track progress toward attaining these goals. This collaborative process ensures that voices from every school are included in shaping the path forward for Tift County Schools.
Canning Plant Reopens With New Boiler
The Tift County Canning Plant has officially reopened following the installation of a brand-new boiler. This improvement ensures that the plant will continue serving as a valuable resource for our community, providing residents with access to facilities that support food preservation and agricultural traditions.
Thank you to the Tift County Board of Education for their commitment to maintaining this important community service. Their investment in the new boiler reflects a dedication to meeting the needs of our residents and preserving opportunities that benefit families throughout our county.
The canning plant is once again ready to welcome the community, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of this resource. To schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Carl Nichols at (229) 402-8834.
Multi-Purpose Pavilion
You can support this project by participating in the Peach Education Tax Credit.
Keep your taxes local. Invest in Tift County’s students: https://www.gfpe.org/tax_credit/
The Board of Education has approved the GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price) for the pre-engineered metal building part of the Multi-Use Pavilion project. The project is scheduled to begin before the end of the calendar year.
Updated Weapons Detection Systems Installed
New weapons detection systems were recently installed at Northeast Middle School.
The new systems allow for a more efficient flow of students entering the building. They have been through extensive testing with results confirming that the systems function as intended, with no alarms triggered by Chromebooks, Yondr pouches, binders, or cell phones.
These upgraded units were provided by the vendor at no cost to the system. Units will also be upgraded at ESMS and TCHS over the next few months, as supplies become available.
COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS
Growth in Advanced Placement Courses Shows Student Success
Tift County Schools is proud to celebrate the remarkable growth of our Advanced Placement (AP) program. Over the past year, participation in AP courses has grown by 28%, reflecting more students challenging themselves with rigorous, college-level coursework.
That growth extended beyond the classroom as well. The number of students taking AP exams increased by 17%, and scores showed strong improvement with a 7.35% increase in students earning a score of 3 or higher—the benchmark for demonstrating college readiness.
Significant gains were seen in Biology, English Language and Composition, and Environmental Science, where student enrollment and achievement reached new heights. These results highlight both the commitment of our students to excel academically and the dedication of our teachers in preparing them for success.
We have also seen an increase in AP scholar awards. These awards are based upon the averages score on Advanced Placement (AP) exams.
AP Scholar: Granted to students who score 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.
AP Scholar with Honor: Awarded to students with an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams and scores of 3 or higher on four or more exams.
AP Scholar with Distinction: Earned by students with an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams and scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams.
Since 2023, Tift County has seen tremendous growth in these recognitions. The overall number of AP Scholar awards has more than doubled, and the number of students earning the prestigious AP Scholar with Distinction honor has increased over fourfold.
The continued growth of AP participation and performance underscores our mission to provide challenging opportunities that prepare students for college, careers, and beyond.
Growth in End of Pathway Assessment Participation and Success
End of Pathway Assessments (EOPAs) give students the opportunity to demonstrate mastery in their chosen Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) pathway. To be eligible, students must either:
Successfully complete the three or four designated courses in the pathway, or
Be enrolled in the final designated course and on track to complete it successfully.
In 2025, Tift County Schools saw encouraging growth in EOPA outcomes, with a 5% increase in participation and a 10.24% increase in the overall pass rate.
Several programs achieved 100% pass rates, including:
Early Childhood Education I – Education and Training
Early Childhood Education II – Education and Training
Graphic Communications – Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
These results reflect the hard work of our students, the dedication of our teachers, and the strength of our CTAE programs in preparing students with skills for both college and career success.
Work-Based Learning Continues to Thrive at TCHS
The Tift County High School Work-Based Learning (WBL) Program continues to provide students with real-world experiences that prepare them for future careers.
In 2025, the program’s impact was especially impressive. A total of 278 WBL students collectively earned over $1.2 million in wages while accumulating nearly 132,000 hours of valuable work experience.
These opportunities not only give students hands-on skills and knowledge but also strengthen partnerships with local businesses and industries. Together, we are helping students graduate ready to succeed in both college and careers.
The success of the Tift County High School Work-Based Learning (WBL) Program would not be possible without the commitment of our community partners. Their continued support provides students with real-world experiences that prepare them for success in the workforce and beyond.
We would like to extend a special thank you to the organizations that have partnered with us for three and four consecutive years. Your support ensures that our students graduate with not only a diploma but also the experience and confidence needed to thrive in their chosen fields.
STUDENT AND STAFF RECOGNITION
Student Artwork Displayed at Administrative Office
A reception was held prior to the September board meeting where students and their families were able to see their artwork that is on display at the Administrative Office. Artwork will remain on exhibit throughout the year. This artwork was created as part of a project last spring titled "A Day in My Shoes." Following the reception, students were recognized at the board meeting.
The students listed below are part of the display:
The Beyond the T Award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the success of our students, staff and community.
Do you know someone who deserves recognition for going 'Beyond the T'? Click here to submit a nomination.
Last school year, Special Education Teacher Celeste Beaumont recognized that one of her students, Bradyn Crowe, had been working hard on vocational skills as part of his transition plan. She reached out to the Tift County Blue Devil Football coaching staff with an idea….Bradyn was ready for some “real work experience.” Coach Littleton and Coach Duckworth immediately embraced the opportunity, welcoming him as a true part of the Blue Devil family.
Together, Coach Littleton and Coach Duckworth have fully embodied the spirit of inclusion within the Tift County Blue Devil Football Program by mentoring and leading Bradyn to serve as a teammate, manager, and member of the Blue Devil coaching staff. Since the summer, Bradyn has shown his commitment by participating in the full practice program, supporting both coaches and athletes in every way possible. His presence has brought an added layer of energy and positivity to the team, reminding everyone that being a Blue Devil is about much more than football…it’s about character, community, and heart!
Bradyn’s energy, dedication, and hard work capture what it means to be a Tift County Blue Devil at its very best. The collaboration among Ms. Beaumont, Coach Littleton, and Coach Duckworth reflects the true heart of the “Beyond the T” award by going above and beyond to create opportunities, celebrate inclusion, and make a lasting difference in the lives of students and the entire Blue Devil program.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Livestock Barn Access During Construction
Students who currently house animals at the livestock barn have been notified that, during the construction of the new middle school, the district will continue to accommodate their ability to care for their animals.
Plans have been developed to ensure that animal care is minimally disrupted. Specific directions for entering the barn and designated areas for walking and caring for animals have been shared with all students.
We ask for patience and cooperation during this time, as flexibility will be essential to working alongside the construction schedule. By working together, we can ensure that students are able to continue their agricultural projects while progress is made on this new facility.
The TCS Network Service team recently installed a new end zone camera for athletic teams to utilize at Brodie Field. This new camera gives coaches real time video to make necessary decisions and changes during athletic events. A partnership with TruVista facilitated this as they donated fiber installation to make this happen.
Tift County Schools is preparing students for the future of Georgia agriculture—and YOU can help!
Through the Georgia Peach Education Tax Credit, your redirected tax dollars can help fund:
Addition to existing Ag barn to allow space for small livestock
Greenhouse for the new 7–8 Middle School
These facilities will:
Provide year-round, hands-on learning in plant & animal science
Prepare students for careers in veterinary science, animal production, horticulture, & agribusiness
Build equitable, authentic learning experiences for ALL students
Strengthen Georgia’s agricultural workforce pipeline
Once funded, construction (coordinated by district facilities staff) will begin immediately—creating sustainable labs where students learn, compete, and serve our community.
Keep your taxes local. Invest in Tift County’s students: https://www.gfpe.org/tax_credit/
