TIFTON, GA — Tift County Schools is continuing to expand opportunities for student voice and leadership throughout the district as part of its ongoing commitment to engaging students in meaningful conversations and decision-making processes.
Since the 2024–2025 school year, students in grades 6–12 have served on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, meeting monthly with Superintendent Natalie Gore and district leaders to discuss important topics impacting schools, students, and the community. The advisory council provides students with a direct line of communication to district leadership while also giving system leaders valuable insight from the student perspective.
Building on that effort, Tift County Schools added student representatives to Local School Governance Teams (LSGTs) at schools serving grades 6–8 during the 2025–2026 school year. The initiative will continue to grow during the 2026–2027 school year with the expansion of student representation opportunities to schools serving students in grades K–5.
While the student representative role is non-voting, students play an important role in providing feedback, sharing ideas, and offering insight into the experiences and needs of students within their schools.
“This work is about creating authentic opportunities for students to have a voice in their schools and in the future of our district,” said Natalie Gore. “When students are included in conversations about school culture, programs, and initiatives, they develop leadership skills, confidence, and a stronger connection to their school community. We want our students to know that their perspectives matter, and we are committed to expanding opportunities for them to lead, collaborate, and help shape positive experiences for others.”
At Eighth Street Middle School, school leaders have already seen the value of student involvement through the addition of student representatives to the school’s LSGT.
“Having student representation on our Local School Governance Team has added an important perspective to our conversations and planning,” said Brad Winger. “Students often provide insights that adults may not immediately recognize, and their involvement helps strengthen communication and collaboration within the school community. It also helps students gain a better understanding of the educational system and all that goes into it, and it builds leadership and communication skills in students that will benefit them long after they leave our schools.”
The expansion of student leadership opportunities aligns with the district’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan under Goal 3: Leading to Engage Students, Staff and Parents to Cultivate a Supportive Culture that advances the wellness and success of students and the community.
The initiative includes increasing opportunities for student leadership through school and system structures such as LSGT student representatives, Principal Student Advisories at each school, student representation to the Board of Education, and other engagement opportunities like student town halls designed to strengthen collaboration and communication throughout the district.
Through these efforts, Tift County Schools continues to prioritize student engagement and leadership development while creating meaningful opportunities for students to contribute to the future of their schools and community.
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