Dr. Jerry Baker
For the Tift County Board of Education, District 6. An experienced education leader and longtime Tift County resident.
Strong Schools ★ Strong Students ★ Strong Community
Three decades of leadership in education and governance
- ★More than 30 years of leadership experience in education, administration, and nonprofit organizations
- ★Former Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
- ★Served as Interim Principal of Tift County High School and Interim Superintendent of Tift County Schools
- ★Extensive experience in budgeting, strategic planning, accountability, and board relations
- ★Committed to strong schools, student opportunity, and collaboration with families, educators, and the community
“During Academic Year 23/24 I had the opportunity to serve as the Interim Superintendent for Tift County Schools and as the TCHS Principal. These two positions provided me with a great appreciation for the needs of the students and teachers in Tift County.”
What I will focus on
Selecting the Next Superintendent
Define the position carefully, seek broad stakeholder input, compare search options honestly, and evaluate every candidate against the same criteria.
Responsible Stewardship of ESPLOST
Focus capital dollars on buildings that need replacement or major renovation, say no to frivolous projects, and avoid raising property taxes.
Protecting Instructional Time
Clear, consistent expectations that begin in the early grades, with meaningful consequences and shared accountability between schools and homes.
Sound Financial Oversight
Understanding state funding formulas, local revenue, capital funding, and federal grants — and planning ahead for uncertainty.
Recent updates
August 23, 2026
Honoring the Legacy of the Eighth Street School
Notes from the community meeting on the proposed 5th & 6th grade school, ESPLOST stewardship, and ideas for honoring a beloved building.
Campaign Update
Funding Tift County Schools
State appropriations, property taxes, ESPLOST, and federal grants — how each source works and where my experience applies.
Campaign Update
Consequences Matter
Protecting instructional time requires clear, consistent expectations — and shared accountability between schools and homes.
I welcome your support and your vote
Questions, ideas, or want a yard sign? Reach out — I would appreciate hearing from you.