Lowndes Board of Education discusses updates and student technology changes
Published 11:33 am Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Lauren Odom | Submitted photo: Clyattville Elementary School was honored as a Solution Tree Promising Practices School for its outstanding academic growth systems and effective instructional strategies across grade levels at the Lowndes Board of Education meeting.
Lauren Odom | Submitted photo: Pine Grove Middle School’s FFA Conduct of Chapter Meetings LDE team was recognized for winning first place in the state and advancing to Nationals in Indianapolis.
Lauren Odom | Submitted photo: Hahira Middle School was recognized for earning the Single Statewide Accountability System (SSAS) Award for Greatest Gains for the 2024 school year, recognizing exceptional student achievement growth across three academic years.
Lauren Odom | Submitted photo: Jillian Mitchell is honored for being selected to serve on the Georgia Department of Education’s English Language Arts Advisory Council.
Lauren Odom | Submitted photo: Lake Park Elementary bookkeeper Brenda Fletcher is recognized with the One Lowndes Spotlight Award for her 44 years of dedicated service.
VALDOSTA — On Monday, the Lowndes County Board of Education met to review progress on construction projects, introduce a new district-wide policy addressing student cell phone use, and celebrate the success of an ongoing meal program.
Executive Director of Facilities and Operations Jeff Hill gave updates on several ongoing construction efforts, including the new Lake Park Elementary School. Brickwork has begun, and the roof is now complete. Once windows are installed, the building will be sealed, allowing crews to begin interior painting and final touches.
Other updates included plans for HVAC replacements and electrical upgrades at Pine Grove Middle and Elementary schools. Track and field improvements are nearly complete as well, with little work remaining on the project.
In a move to promote focused learning, the board discussed a new policy limiting the use of personal electronic devices during the school day. Prompted by Georgia House Bill 340, the Distraction-Free Education Act, the policy restricts cell phone, smartwatch, and other device use for students during instructional time. Board members emphasized the importance of consistency and expressed support for teachers enforcing the policy without fear of liability for confiscated devices. The board is in the early phases of this move as they look to solidify the plan before moving forward with a vote.
Another highlight of the meeting was a report on the district’s new athletic feeding program. First piloted at Lowndes High School in late February, the initiative has served over 7,000 meals to football, track, and softball athletes. Meals, often pasta or rice-based, were made possible through partnerships with Second Harvest Food Bank, local donors, and booster clubs.
The program was praised for addressing post-practice nutrition needs but also for offering critical support to students who may not otherwise receive regular meals. Plans are underway to expand the program next fall.
The board unanimously approved a number of action items, including the tentative budget for the upcoming fiscal year, a resolution for surplus vehicles, updates to the district’s five-year facilities plan, and grade-level furniture and promotion purchases.
