Tifton, GA — Tift County Schools is excited to announce the launch of Phase One of its elementary fine arts expansion, beginning with four schools in 2026-2027: Charles Spencer Elementary School, Matt Wilson Elementary School, G.O. Bailey Elementary School, and Omega Elementary School.
While a few elementary schools currently include art as part of their specials rotation, this expansion represents the district’s next step in increasing access to visual arts instruction through the addition of certified art teachers. As part of this initial phase, the district has added two certified art teachers to serve these four schools and expand opportunities for elementary students.
Superintendent Natalie Gore explained, “This effort represents work aligned to the system’s five-year strategic plan, which calls for the system to expand fine arts opportunities available to our students.”
Dr. Michael Slaven, Assistant Superintendent Beyond the Core, emphasized that “the expansion centers on providing students with greater access and opportunity.” He noted that “the goal is for every student to benefit from a fine arts education that integrates visual arts alongside the music instruction Tift has long offered elementary students.” According to Dr. Slaven, “this initial phase serves as a focused and intentional starting point for that mission.”
For the past two years, a significant collaboration with Tifton Council for the Arts has successfully integrated community-led art instruction into various schools through PBIS reward activities, afterschool programming and/or artists in residence leading art activities in schools. "Participation in the arts, especially in children, can improve self-confidence, provide a therapeutic outlet, and foster a stronger sense of belonging. With our continued partnership, we are thrilled to play a role in bringing more art opportunities into the schools for all students," states Chelsea Webster, Children's Engagement and Education Director of Tifton Council for the Arts. Tift County Schools remains dedicated to expanding this partnership, providing students with the advantages of both community-led programs and increased on-site instruction from certified art teachers.
Students in these four schools will now have increased access to structured art instruction, complementing our existing music programs thereby enhancing the overall learning experience for our elementary aged students. The addition of visual arts supports the development of creativity, critical thinking, and student engagement which are key components of a high-quality instructional program. Research indicates that expanding arts education significantly improves students’ writing achievement, empathy, and overall school engagement. Furthermore, arts education enhances comprehension, vocabulary, confidence, and discipline while allowing students to synthesize content and create new meanings, ideas, and solutions.
Phase One serves as the foundation for a broader, multi-year plan to expand fine arts opportunities across all elementary schools in the district. The long-term goal is to ensure that every elementary student in Tift County Schools has consistent access to both art and music instruction.
“We are committed to developing the whole child,” Deputy Superintendent Jennnifer Howell added. “Fine arts play a critical role in that work by allowing students to explore their creativity, build confidence, and connect their learning in meaningful ways.”
The district will continue to monitor implementation and use feedback to guide future phases of expansion, ensuring equitable access and high-quality instruction for all students.
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