The Douglas Mayor’s Youth Council held a special event on September 21, 2026, “Tomorrow’s Leaders, Welcoming Today’s Superintendents,” which focused on the new school board Superintendent and Assistant Superintendents with the Coffee County Board of Education (CCBOE). Youth Council members were given the opportunity to address each leader with questions regarding policy changes and everyday school experiences.
The meeting was called to order by Jr. Mayor Jaleigha Williams, with an invocation by Jace Wilson and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Simone Wilkerson. Following routine business items, the council presented the Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation, shared information about the Walk for Zi’Tavia Freeman, and highlighted upcoming initiatives. After conducting regular business for the Youth Council, the council transitioned into open discussion with the Coffee County School System’s leadership team.
Jr. Commissioner Ny’Liyah Simpson and Jr. Commissioner Zanadii Wright opened the discussion with questions for Superintendent Lee Mobley about allowing student input in district policy, incorporating student voice into programs like Capturing Kids’ Hearts, improving post‑graduation readiness, and strengthening belonging beyond pep rallies and sports. Assistant Superintendent of Operations & Facilities, Mr. Grady Hart, addressed questions on campus operations, including upgrading common areas, study spaces, and cafeterias, balancing strong security with a welcoming atmosphere, and ensuring facilities—such as band rooms and labs—receive proper maintenance. The council had several questions for Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Mrs. Allyson Speight, about curriculum, which included support for juniors in advanced and dual‑enrollment classes, increasing hands‑on learning in core courses, and the process for new career pathways and electives based on student interest. The new phone ban was also a topic of discussion and school leaders were asked to share their top goals for students and ways the youth council can support those efforts.
Following questions from the Youth Council, members of the public were also allowed to participate in the session and spoke with the education leaders about their concerns about the school system and students.
After the informative session of Q&A with the superintendents, the meeting was adjourned. The next Douglas Mayor’s Youth Council meeting will be held on October 19, 2026, 5:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Commission Chambers. Everyone is invited to attend.
