This spring, multiple seats on Bryan County School Board, including the chair, will be on the ballot. Early voting kicks off April 27 and the General Primary is May 19.
In this next Q+A installment, the Bryan County News spoke to those running for the School Board - District 4 seat, including Luella Sanders. Those also running for the seat include businessman Matthew Hodges.
Follow the Bryan County News for more election coverage.
Who: Luella Sanders, adjunct instructor and VyStar Credit Union - AVP (Regional Community Engagement)
Describe your background for readers.
I have more than thirty years of experience in accounting, finance, and community engagement, along with a deep belief that learning transforms lives and community outcomes. As a dedicated advocate for education and nonprofit leadership, I have served as an adjunct instructor for over sixteen years, teaching thousands of students both in the classroom and virtually.
My commitment to service extends throughout our community. I currently hold executive leadership roles on several nonprofit boards, including DEEP Center, Over the Moon Diaper Bank, and United Way of South Bryan County Advisory Board. I have also served as a member of the South Bryan Advisory Council for the Bryan County School System since 2022. These experiences have given me a well-rounded understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our students, families, and schools.
I bring energy, focus, and vision to this work, grounded in both professional expertise and a passion for strengthening our community through education.
What inspired you to run for the School Board – District 4 seat, and what qualities would you bring to the role?
I was inspired to run because I believe our district is at a pivotal moment—one that calls for visionary leadership and bold ambitions. We have an opportunity to position our school system as a leading district in the Southeast, and I want to help drive that vision forward.
I bring a results-driven mindset, collaborative leadership, and a strong sense of accountability. I listen, engage, and focus on solutions that prioritize students and families. With energy, focus, and vision, I am committed to advancing strategic priorities such as increasing enrollment, extending our reach beyond Bryan County, and ensuring our schools are equipped to meet the demands of a growing and evolving community.
What do you see as the biggest challenges currently facing our school district, and how would you address them?
Our district faces both challenges and opportunities—managing growth, maintaining high-quality instruction, and ensuring we have the facilities and resources to support our students now and in the future.
Key priorities include:
- Managing enrollment capacity while maintaining strong academic outcomes
- Investing in facility and building improvements to support growth
- Recruiting and retaining high-quality educators
- Ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities for all students
- Strengthening the connection between our schools and local economic development
Addressing these challenges requires strategic planning, smart investment, and a clear vision. By aligning our schools with the needs of a growing region, we can fuel growth and economic development while maintaining excellence in education.
Where do you see the district in 5 years?
In five years, I see our district recognized as one of the premier school systems in the Southeast – a model of innovation, growth, community engagement and overall excellence.
We will have successfully expanded our reach beyond Bryan County, successfully managed our enrollment capacity, and made meaningful investments in facilities and infrastructure. Our schools will be modern, well-equipped, and designed to support student success at every level.
Most importantly, we will be known as a district where learning transforms lives—where students are prepared not only for graduation, but for meaningful futures, and where our school system plays a vital role in fueling growth and economic development across the region.