AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Jessica Moore
Role: Administrative Assistant to Business Operations
Years with Tift County: 2
Favorite part of the job: Improving efficiency, streamlining processes, and supporting the operations that help our school system thrive.
Hobbies: Long-distance running to stay active, cooking to bring people together, and reading for personal growth.
Bucket List: Restoring her old home to preserve its character and create a gathering place for future generations.
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Role: Administrative Assistant to Business Operations
Years with Tift County: 2
Favorite part of the job: Improving efficiency, streamlining processes, and supporting the operations that help our school system thrive.
Hobbies: Long-distance running to stay active, cooking to bring people together, and reading for personal growth.
Bucket List: Restoring her old home to preserve its character and create a gathering place for future generations.
#4theT
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AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Donna Cooper
Role: Administrative Support CTAE
Years with Tift County: 4.5
Favorite part of the job: Working with a great team of dedicated educators and interacting with students to help create a positive learning environment.
Hobbies: Going to the beach, riding their Ranger, watching movies, and watching her grandchildren play sports.
Bucket List: Seeing the Northern Lights in person.
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Role: Administrative Support CTAE
Years with Tift County: 4.5
Favorite part of the job: Working with a great team of dedicated educators and interacting with students to help create a positive learning environment.
Hobbies: Going to the beach, riding their Ranger, watching movies, and watching her grandchildren play sports.
Bucket List: Seeing the Northern Lights in person.
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AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Michele Nobles
Role: Pre-K Specialist
Years with Tift County: 3
Favorite part of the job: I enjoy working with supportive coworkers who make coming to work enjoyable every day, and I also appreciate the positive relationships we build with students, families, and the community.
Hobbies: I enjoy hanging with my family.
Bucket List: I would love to go to Italy.
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Role: Pre-K Specialist
Years with Tift County: 3
Favorite part of the job: I enjoy working with supportive coworkers who make coming to work enjoyable every day, and I also appreciate the positive relationships we build with students, families, and the community.
Hobbies: I enjoy hanging with my family.
Bucket List: I would love to go to Italy.
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📚 School Hours for 2026–2027
Please review the school hours for the upcoming school year:
🏫 Grades K–5
Car Rider Drop-Off Begins: 7:05 a.m.
Tardy Bell: 7:35 a.m.
Dismissal: 3:00 p.m.
🏫 Grades 6–12
Car Rider Drop-Off Begins: 7:40 a.m.
Tardy Bell: 8:20 a.m.
Dismissal: 3:45 p.m.
Please note: Car rider drop-off start times may vary slightly by school. Families should check with their child’s school for specific arrival procedures.
We look forward to another great year of collaborating, learning and achieving together!
#4theT
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Please review the school hours for the upcoming school year:
🏫 Grades K–5
Car Rider Drop-Off Begins: 7:05 a.m.
Tardy Bell: 7:35 a.m.
Dismissal: 3:00 p.m.
🏫 Grades 6–12
Car Rider Drop-Off Begins: 7:40 a.m.
Tardy Bell: 8:20 a.m.
Dismissal: 3:45 p.m.
Please note: Car rider drop-off start times may vary slightly by school. Families should check with their child’s school for specific arrival procedures.
We look forward to another great year of collaborating, learning and achieving together!
#4theT
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Six days remain! Backpacks are getting packed, classrooms are taking shape, and the excitement is building across Tift County Schools.
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AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Kandace Franks
Role: Accounting Assistant (payroll and leave)
Years with Tift County: 3
Favorite part of the job: I enjoy being part of a school system that serves our community and supports students and families. Building relationships with coworkers and knowing that the work I do helps make a difference is the most rewarding part of my job.
Hobbies: When I’m not at work, I love spending time with my family. Whether we’re enjoying a quiet day at home, making memories together, or cheering each other on through life’s milestones, family is what means the most to me. I also enjoy being creative and finding little moments to relax and recharge.
Bucket List: One thing on my bucket list is to take a memorable family vacation to Alaska to experience its incredible scenery and hopefully see the Northern Lights together.
#4theT
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Role: Accounting Assistant (payroll and leave)
Years with Tift County: 3
Favorite part of the job: I enjoy being part of a school system that serves our community and supports students and families. Building relationships with coworkers and knowing that the work I do helps make a difference is the most rewarding part of my job.
Hobbies: When I’m not at work, I love spending time with my family. Whether we’re enjoying a quiet day at home, making memories together, or cheering each other on through life’s milestones, family is what means the most to me. I also enjoy being creative and finding little moments to relax and recharge.
Bucket List: One thing on my bucket list is to take a memorable family vacation to Alaska to experience its incredible scenery and hopefully see the Northern Lights together.
#4theT
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AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Jenny Varnadoe
Role: School Nutrition Financial Coordinator
Years with Tift County: 19
Favorite part of the job: Seeing the kids light up when they are served their favorite meals.
Hobbies: Cooking dinner for her family and grandkids.
Bucket List: Visiting Hawaii and taking her mom to see Noah's Ark in Kentucky.
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Role: School Nutrition Financial Coordinator
Years with Tift County: 19
Favorite part of the job: Seeing the kids light up when they are served their favorite meals.
Hobbies: Cooking dinner for her family and grandkids.
Bucket List: Visiting Hawaii and taking her mom to see Noah's Ark in Kentucky.
#4theT
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AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Jennifer Cooper
Role: Federal Programs Administrative Assistant
Years with Tift County: 7
Favorite part of the job: Having quality time to spend with family during school holidays and breaks.
Hobbies: Walking, reading, and heading to the beach or Disney World.
Bucket List: Visiting Hawaii one day.
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Role: Federal Programs Administrative Assistant
Years with Tift County: 7
Favorite part of the job: Having quality time to spend with family during school holidays and breaks.
Hobbies: Walking, reading, and heading to the beach or Disney World.
Bucket List: Visiting Hawaii one day.
#4theT
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AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Pam Jones
Role: Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent and Operations
Years with Tift County: 13
Favorite part of the job: The daily challenges, always learning something new, and the positive camaraderie with work associates.
Hobbies: Resting, reading, traveling with her husband, and spending time with her family, especially her grands.
Bucket List: A return trip to Italy to explore more of the country.
#4theT
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Role: Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent and Operations
Years with Tift County: 13
Favorite part of the job: The daily challenges, always learning something new, and the positive camaraderie with work associates.
Hobbies: Resting, reading, traveling with her husband, and spending time with her family, especially her grands.
Bucket List: A return trip to Italy to explore more of the country.
#4theT
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AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Berenice Zarco
Role: Central Bookkeeper
Years with Tift County: 9
Favorite part of the job: Watching students grow and learn through the years. Hobbies: Traveling during her time off.
Bucket List: Taking a ride in a hot air balloon.
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Role: Central Bookkeeper
Years with Tift County: 9
Favorite part of the job: Watching students grow and learn through the years. Hobbies: Traveling during her time off.
Bucket List: Taking a ride in a hot air balloon.
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AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Carrie Bowyer
Role: Lead Bookkeeper
Years with Tift County: 5
Favorite part of the job: Doing work she enjoys while having the flexibility to be there for her children's important milestones and activities.
Hobbies: Antique shopping and being with family.
Bucket List: Taking a trip to Ireland, Scotland, and England.
#4theT
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Role: Lead Bookkeeper
Years with Tift County: 5
Favorite part of the job: Doing work she enjoys while having the flexibility to be there for her children's important milestones and activities.
Hobbies: Antique shopping and being with family.
Bucket List: Taking a trip to Ireland, Scotland, and England.
#4theT
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AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: DeShundra Henderson
Role: Central Bookkeeper
Years with Tift County: 14
Favorite part of the job: Knowing that her behind-the-scenes work helps support students, teachers, and schools.
Hobbies: Traveling and making memories with family and friends.
Bucket List: Taking a trip to the Maldives.
#4theT
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Role: Central Bookkeeper
Years with Tift County: 14
Favorite part of the job: Knowing that her behind-the-scenes work helps support students, teachers, and schools.
Hobbies: Traveling and making memories with family and friends.
Bucket List: Taking a trip to the Maldives.
#4theT
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AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Briana Gomez
Role: Central Bookkeeper
Years with Tift County: 1
Favorite part of the job: The positive atmosphere, friendly co-workers, and the flexibility that allows for a healthy work-life balance.
Hobbies: Spending time with family, catching up on personal projects, and relaxing. Bucket List: Taking a cruise.
#4theT
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Role: Central Bookkeeper
Years with Tift County: 1
Favorite part of the job: The positive atmosphere, friendly co-workers, and the flexibility that allows for a healthy work-life balance.
Hobbies: Spending time with family, catching up on personal projects, and relaxing. Bucket List: Taking a cruise.
#4theT
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AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Sharlene Johnson
Role: Receptionist
Years with Tift County: 19
Favorite part of the job: Helping parents and students in my community.
Hobbies: Family time and shopping.
Bucket List: Ride in a Hot Air Balloon.
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Role: Receptionist
Years with Tift County: 19
Favorite part of the job: Helping parents and students in my community.
Hobbies: Family time and shopping.
Bucket List: Ride in a Hot Air Balloon.
#4theT
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One week! In seven days, we begin another year of collaborating together, learning together, and achieving together. Let’s go, Blue Devils!
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AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Cherie Wright
Role: Payroll Manager.
Years with Tift County: 20
Favorite part of the job: Making an impact on students and staff, connecting with coworkers, and ensuring staff feels secure by processing payroll despite any challenges.
Hobbies: Family time in Tifton, going on beach trips and coffee runs, and doing yard work with her beautiful flowers and bird feeders.
Bucket List: Enjoying nature and visiting family on a trip to Montana, Yellowstone, and Canada.
#4theT
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Role: Payroll Manager.
Years with Tift County: 20
Favorite part of the job: Making an impact on students and staff, connecting with coworkers, and ensuring staff feels secure by processing payroll despite any challenges.
Hobbies: Family time in Tifton, going on beach trips and coffee runs, and doing yard work with her beautiful flowers and bird feeders.
Bucket List: Enjoying nature and visiting family on a trip to Montana, Yellowstone, and Canada.
#4theT
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AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Marlena Thomas
Role: Benefits Coordinator.
Years with Tift County: 28 years.
Favorite part of the job: Making processes like medical leave and retirement stress-free, and providing support during the most important moments of an employee's career.
Hobbies: Traveling, taking cruises, and making memories with her husband of 30 years, kids, and granddaughter Allie Grace.
Bucket List: Experiencing the breathtaking glaciers and wildlife on an Alaskan cruise.
#4theT
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Role: Benefits Coordinator.
Years with Tift County: 28 years.
Favorite part of the job: Making processes like medical leave and retirement stress-free, and providing support during the most important moments of an employee's career.
Hobbies: Traveling, taking cruises, and making memories with her husband of 30 years, kids, and granddaughter Allie Grace.
Bucket List: Experiencing the breathtaking glaciers and wildlife on an Alaskan cruise.
#4theT
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AO STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Lily Garcia
Role: HR Specialist.
Years with Tift County: 11 years.
Favorite part of the job: The fellowship of Tift County Schools and providing a positive onboarding experience for new employees.
Hobbies: Spending quality time making memories and attending activities with her beautiful daughters.
Bucket List: Traveling the world with her daughters to create unforgettable memories.
#4theT
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Role: HR Specialist.
Years with Tift County: 11 years.
Favorite part of the job: The fellowship of Tift County Schools and providing a positive onboarding experience for new employees.
Hobbies: Spending quality time making memories and attending activities with her beautiful daughters.
Bucket List: Traveling the world with her daughters to create unforgettable memories.
#4theT
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As we prepare for an exciting new school year, we'd like to introduce you to some of the incredible people who make it all possible behind the scenes.
Throughout the next several days, we'll be spotlighting members of the Tift County Schools Administrative Office team—the dedicated professionals who work year-round to support our schools, serve our employees, and ensure everything is in place for a successful first day and beyond. While many of their efforts happen behind the scenes, their impact is felt in every classroom, every school, and every student success story.
Join us as we recognize the people who help keep Tift County Schools moving forward each and every day.
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
Throughout the next several days, we'll be spotlighting members of the Tift County Schools Administrative Office team—the dedicated professionals who work year-round to support our schools, serve our employees, and ensure everything is in place for a successful first day and beyond. While many of their efforts happen behind the scenes, their impact is felt in every classroom, every school, and every student success story.
Join us as we recognize the people who help keep Tift County Schools moving forward each and every day.
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
Tomorrow, our halls will begin to come alive again, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome back the incredible teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff, bus drivers, school nutrition professionals, and every member of the Tift County Schools family!
As we prepare to begin the 2026–2027 school year, we are reminded that the greatest strength of our district is our people. Together, we will inspire, encourage, and empower every student who walks through our doors.
A new year brings fresh opportunities to learn, grow, and make a lasting impact. Thank you for the passion, dedication, and heart you bring to Tift County Schools each and every day.
We can't wait to see you tomorrow as we kick off another incredible year of learning, collaboration, and success.
Welcome back! Let's make the 2026–2027 school year our best one yet!
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
As we prepare to begin the 2026–2027 school year, we are reminded that the greatest strength of our district is our people. Together, we will inspire, encourage, and empower every student who walks through our doors.
A new year brings fresh opportunities to learn, grow, and make a lasting impact. Thank you for the passion, dedication, and heart you bring to Tift County Schools each and every day.
We can't wait to see you tomorrow as we kick off another incredible year of learning, collaboration, and success.
Welcome back! Let's make the 2026–2027 school year our best one yet!
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve
