Several members of our district team recently had the privilege of attending the Winter GAEL Conference in Athens, Georgia, hosted by the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders. We are grateful for the opportunity not only to learn alongside outstanding educational leaders from across the state, but also to contribute to the conference through two featured breakout sessions.
Mrs. Sabrina Smith, Director of Safety and Security, and Mr. Ken Moody, Principal of S.L. Mason Elementary, led a session focused on strengthening school safety, sharing practical insights and replicable strategies that districts can implement to better protect students and staff.
Mrs. Jennifer Steedley, Director of Public Relations, and Mrs. Candacey Griffin, Communications Specialist, were invited by GAEL staff to present a session on elevating district communications. Their presentation highlighted innovative video storytelling, the strategic use of analytics to guide messaging, and authentic approaches to building trust and community support for public education. In addition to presenting, they were also asked to assist with the collection and creation of conference content, reflecting the strong communications efforts underway in Valdosta City Schools.
We are thankful for the opportunity to both learn and lead alongside fellow Georgia educators as we continue serving our students, staff, and community with excellence.