The Lowndes County Board of Education has earned the Georgia School Boards Association’s (GSBA) 2026 Exemplary Governance Team Recognition, the highest level of recognition awarded through GSBA’s Governance Team Recognition Program.

“A strong school system begins with a strong School Board that keeps students at the center of every decision,” Superintendent Sandra Wilcher said as she recognized the board during its October 5 meeting. “I am grateful to work alongside seven board members who understand the responsibility of serving our students, staff, families, and community and who are committed to moving Lowndes County Schools forward.”

The Exemplary designation honors school governance teams that demonstrate the highest standards of effective leadership, accountability, collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement. “It is an honor to serve alongside a board that is passionate about the success of our students, staff, and community,” said Board Chairman Mike Davis, who has served on the board for 24 years. “I am proud of the work we do together, and it means a great deal to see that work recognized at the highest level.”

To achieve Exemplary status, the Lowndes County Schools governance team met rigorous criteria established by GSBA and based on the State Board of Education’s Standards for Effective Governance.

“This recognition represents what One Lowndes is all about, working together with a shared commitment to doing what is best for our students,” Wilcher said. “Our board members ask important questions, make thoughtful decisions, and never lose sight of why we are here. They care about our schools and this community, and I am incredibly grateful for their leadership, their support of our staff, and their commitment to creating opportunities for every student to be successful.”

The Lowndes County Board of Education consists of seven members: Mike Davis (District 1, Chairman), Fred Wetherington (District 2, Vice Chairman), Erin Price (District 3), Jason Wisenbaker (District 4), Robert McGeehan (District 5), Melanie Hasty (District 6), and Chris Buescher (District 7).

“We could not do what we do without the support of our community,” Davis added. “The citizens of Lowndes County make this work possible through their continued support of our schools. It is important that we always keep our taxpayers and citizens at the forefront of what we do. Their support allows us to continue serving our schools and community at an exemplary level.”

GSBA’s Governance Team Recognition Program was established in 1998 by Georgia superintendents and school board members and is one of the first programs of its kind in the nation. The program recognizes Georgia school governance teams for their commitment to effective governance and continued growth. The program includes three levels of recognition: Quality, Distinguished, and Exemplary, with Exemplary representing its highest level of achievement.