The Valdosta Board of Education is proud to announce that it has been recognized with the Georgia School Boards Association’s (GSBA) 2025 Exemplary Board Recognition, the highest level of achievement in GSBA’s recognition program.
This honor underscores the Board’s steadfast commitment to effective governance, continuous improvement, transparency, and collaboration, all of which contribute to fostering strong schools and maximizing opportunities for every student in the district.
“Receiving this recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our governance team,” said Dr. Craig Lockhart, superintendent of Valdosta City Schools. “We are committed to making decisions that strengthen our schools, support our staff, and prepare our students for success.”
To earn this distinction, the Valdosta Board of Education met and exceeded rigorous criteria established by GSBA. The standards for Exemplary Boards are designed to ensure that local school boards provide outstanding leadership and accountability in service to their communities.
The GSBA Board Recognition Program was developed by Georgia superintendents and school board members, based on the State Board of Education’s Standards for Effective Governance. Established in 1998, it was one of the first programs in the nation to set clear, measurable standards for local boards of education.
The program includes three levels of recognition: Quality Board, Distinguished Board, and Exemplary Board. Attaining the Exemplary level represents the highest mark of distinction for local school boards in Georgia.
For more information about GSBA’s Governance Team Recognition Program, including award criteria, visit the GSBA Awards and Recognition webpage.
