VALDOSTA— The Valdosta Board of Education held its regular meeting on Tuesday. The meeting addressed a range of topics, including the approval of a new strategic plan, the recognition of board members for their service, and the approval of trips. 

In recognition of School Board Appreciation Week, observed in Georgia from March 10-14, the board acknowledged its members for their dedicated service. Among those recognized were Warren Lee, who has served for over 35 years, making him the longest-serving board member, and Tad Moseley, who has contributed over 10 years of service.

Kelisa Brown, Brittney Coons-Long, Justin Crenshaw, Jason DeLoach, David Gilyard, Tia Heard, and Tyra Howard also received recognition for their commitment to overseeing district operations. Schools and departments across the district showed their appreciation with handwritten notes, plants, and small gifts, which they displayed inside the meeting room.

A key item on the agenda was the unanimous approval of the Valdosta City Schools Strategic Plan for 2025-2030. This plan, developed over the past year, aims to address four primary areas: student achievement, a positive school culture and climate, efficient operations and finance, and a high-quality workforce. 

Another major highlight of the meeting was the approval of a trip for the Valdosta High School Speech & Debate Team, which will send 13 students to the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) Championships in June. Among the qualifiers,  Marzell Usher received special recognition as a four-time national qualifier, an achievement earned by fewer than 500 students nationwide. 

The meeting also included an update on the annual eighth-grade field trip, known as “Gradventure,” at Universal Studios. This tradition, which has been in place since 2010, is part of the Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) Reward Program. To qualify for the trip, students must meet behavioral standards, including having no more than two disciplinary write-ups.