Q: You currently running for Re-Election for District 2 Valdosta City Schools Board of Education. What can the people expect from you this term if re-elected?
Kelisa Brown: Six years ago, you placed your trust in me to be a voice for our children, our schools, and our community. Together, we have made great strides—strengthening education, supporting our teachers, and creating opportunities for every student to succeed. I will continue to do the work that you have entrusted me to do.
Q: What are some of the situations large, or minor that you have seen get resolved since you been Board Chair on the Board of Education?
Kelisa Brown:
- Approved the reduction of the millage rate to the full rollback rate for taxpayers in 2025.
- Approved the construction of several facilities including a multipurpose indoor practice facility, culinary arts addition, soccer and track upgrades, a professional learning center, and a new district board office.
- Recommended and later approved the district’s first ever 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant for afterschool care for K-12 students in the amount of $3.5 million dollars over the next five years.
- Supporting efforts to win a $3.1 million grant to create the WIN Academy, the largest college and career academy in Georgia.
- Board of Education earned its first ever Georgia School Board Association Exemplary Board Status in 2024 and 2025.
- Approved the Wildcats-on-Wheels (WoW) Bus to promote literacy in the community.
- Approved Wildcat Wear, a clothing shop for families in distress.
- Supported several initiatives including the “Every Day Counts” attendance campaign and the “Beat the Summer Slide” literacy campaign through social media.
- Approved upgrades to Bazemore-Hyder Stadium including new turf and special effects lighting.
Q: Some of the current problems that may an issue right now is the safety and well-being of weapons being brought on school campus. As a concern parent, how can you reassure our child safety on the school grounds?
Kelisa Brown: Every child deserves to learn in a safe, secure environment—free from fear and violence. In Valdosta City Schools, we’ve taken strong steps to keep our campuses safe by implementing advanced safety systems like Centegix and Evolv. These tools help us respond quickly in emergencies and detect potential threats before they reach our schools. As a member of the Valdosta Board of Education, I remain committed to doing everything in my power to keep our schools safe from the threat of guns and violence.
This means continuing to work closely with law enforcement, strengthening school safety protocols, investing in mental health resources, and ensuring our campuses have the security measures and trained personnel needed to protect every student and staff member.
Our children are our greatest treasure, and their safety must always come first. Together, we can create schools that are not only centers of learning—but places of peace, protection, and promise.
Q: What can we expect to make sure that the educators, and bus drivers are safety?
Kelisa Brown: As a parent, grandparent, and community leader, I know that nothing matters more than knowing our children are safe. Every student deserves to walk into school each day feeling protected, cared for, and supported.
That’s why I’m proud that in Valdosta City Schools we have school resource officers at every school, Centegix, Evolv, bus cameras, and trained bus monitors — all working together to keep our students, teachers, and bus drivers safe.
But true safety is also about people — about relationships, awareness, and care. When we all work together — families, educators, and the community — we create schools that are not just safe, but strong, nurturing, and full of promise.
Q: If re-elected what are your goals on strengthening the relationship schools, families, and the community?
Kelisa Brown:
If re-elected, my goal is to continue strengthening the partnership between families, our schools, and the broader Valdosta community. When we work together, our children thrive.
I plan to:
- Increase family engagement by creating more opportunities for parents to be active partners in their child’s education — through open communication, family nights, and workshops that bring parents and teachers together.
- Strengthen community partnerships by collaborating with local organizations, churches, and businesses to provide additional resources and mentorship opportunities for students.
- Support our educators by ensuring they have the tools and encouragement to connect meaningfully with families and the community they serve.
- Build trust and transparency by maintaining open dialogue, listening to concerns, and keeping our community informed about school initiatives and progress.
Education is a shared responsibility. When families, educators, and the community stand together, we create a stronger, more supportive foundation for every child’s success.
Q: Thank you for allowing me to interview you. Are there any last comments that you would like to make?
Kelisa Brown: Thank you for having me. It is an honor and a privilege to have this opportunity. I would like to strongly encourage everyone to please go vote and let your voice be heard. Voting is our right and our responsibility. Advanced voting started Oct. 14, 2025 and ends Oct. 31, 2025. The last day to vote is Nov. 4, 2025.
Remember:
Re-Elect Kelisa V. Brown
Valdosta Board of Education, District 2
Working together for our children, our schools, and our future.
