We are incredibly grateful for the strong support of public education shown during the Joint Proclamation Presentation held on Monday, January 12, 2026, during the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners Work Session, as we prepare to celebrate I ❤️ Public Schools Day across the United States on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
We are thankful to have city and county leaders who actively work with, for, and alongside our public education systems, recognizing the vital role schools play in strengthening our community and shaping future generations.
A special thank you to Mayor Scott James Matheson and Lowndes County Commission Chairman Bill Slaughter, who presented the proclamation together and shared copies with Superintendent Dr. Craig Lockhart and Superintendent Mrs. Sandra Wilcher. The event was a powerful symbol of unity and shared commitment to students and educators across Valdosta City Schools and Lowndes County Schools.
We are also appreciative of the support shown by members of the Valdosta Board of Education, the Community Partners in Education (CPIE) Advisory Council, and the Valdosta City Schools Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors, who were in attendance to stand behind this important recognition.
This proclamation marks the beginning of a week of celebration and serves as a reminder that public education thrives when communities, schools, and local leadership work together.