Ex-TCHS Principal Gets 10 Years Probation

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Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026

Tifton, Georgia

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EX-TCHS PRINCIPAL RECEIVES 10-YEAR PROBATION FOR SCHOOL THEFT

DR. CHAD STONE MUST PAY BACK $21,000 AND $1,500 FINE

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

After two years, the Tift County school system hopes Friday's sentencing of Tift County High School's former principal allows the school system – and the community – to finally repair and move past what the Tift County Board of Education (BOE) calls "lasting damage."

In Tift County Superior Court on Friday, Dr. Chad D. Stone, 52, the former TCHS principal, was sentenced to 10 years probation, a $1,500 fine, and to repay the more than $21,000 he admitted stealing from Tift County Schools.

Stone pleaded guilty to the felony crimes of theft by deception, making a false statement, theft by taking, and unauthorized use of financial transaction card.

In a statement that BOE Chairman Jonathan Jones read in court on behalf of the board, he said that "Stone’s behavior has 'cost' the school system far beyond the initial dollars he inappropriately took for personal gain from the students and taxpayers."

The BOE chairman said because of Stone's actions, the "financial consequences for the school system exceed over half-a-million dollars" because it necessitated the buy-out of the superintendent, the hiring of a new superintendent, hiring an interim principal and a permanent principal, "countless man-hours retrieving and reviewing financial records, conducting an audit of the school’s financial records, and collaborating with local and state law enforcement," and ongoing costs with a full financial audit and implementing new financial safeguards and centralized bookkeepers.

Jones said that "beyond the fiscal impact, Dr. Chad Stone's actions have created lasting damage to Tift County Schools and the broader community. ... Dr. Chad Stone’s actions created a breach of trust within our community's public school system and significantly eroded parental confidence in our schools. The persistent and intentional campaign of denial by Dr. Chad Stone and his supporters, coupled with his reckless accusations hurled at members of the Board of Education and dedicated school system staff, created a toxic environment of mistrust and suspicion. His refusal to accept accountability and his public deflection tactics caused staff, students, and the broader community to enter a state of paralysis, unsure of who was telling the truth."

On Feb. 6, 2024, Tifton Police requested the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to take over the investigation after Tift County School officials identified discrepancies in the financial accounts at the high school. Once the GBI looked over the account statements, it was determined that Stone's school credit card had been used inappropriately for purchases of goods and services not authorized or related to his work. The GBI determined that the credit card had been used to fund trips to locations outside of Georgia, specifically to a National Principal’s Conference at a time in which Stone was suspended from work.

GBI agents also uncovered where Stone had created fake invoices in the bid and purchase of socks, which were then sold at the school store. The "BTTY" socks – which stood for Stone's oft-repeated slogan "Better Today Than Yesterday" – were purchased using the fake invoices. On Sept. 29, 2023, Stone had unlawfully and intentionally obtained $8,318 in school funds designated for the purchase of school-related socks" and then" took a portion of that money for his own use" using "deceitful means," according to court documents.

In February 2024, the GBI arrested and charged Stone with six felonies relating to his time as principal – one felony count of theft by taking and five felony counts of unauthorized use of financial transaction card.

A Tift County Grand Jury later indicted Stone on 13 counts. Nine of the counts were dismissed in court Friday, and Stone pleaded guilty to the felony crimes of theft by deception, making a false statement, theft by taking, and unauthorized use of a financial transaction card.

Rather than having a jury trial, Stone opted to plead “blind” – allowing Tifton Chief Superior Court Judge Bill Reinhardt to hear both sides and impose whatever penalty he deemed appropriate. Stone admitted in court that he was doing so because of the possibility that a jury would convict him of the charges. He did not testify.

After hearing from the GBI, the BOE, and Stone's friends and family members, Judge Reinhardt imposed the sentence, telling Stone, "I think you underestimate the damage done by your conduct." Reinhardt said that "everybody's got it in them to do something stupid, and I think that's what you did. I believe you broke the law."

The judge note that "financial pressure can cause something stupid." GBI Special Agent Kaitlyn Hardy had testified that a GBI investigation had found that Stone "had issues with finances."

Reinhardt said "this is not a prison case." He said it costs taxpayers $35,000 to $40,000 a year to hold someone in prison and he didn't think Stone was a danger to the community. But he said Stone betrayed the trust of the school system.

The judge sentenced Stone to the maximum number of years on each count: 10 years for theft by deception, five years for making a false statement, five years for theft by taking, and two years for unauthorized use of a financial transaction card – all to run concurrently.

"This conviction sends a clear message that those entrusted with public funds meant to support our children’s education will be held fully accountable if they abuse that trust," said District Attorney Patrick Warren, who prosecuted the case. "Chad Stone used his position as a school leader for personal gain, and today’s conviction affirms that no one is above the law."

Following the sentencing in court, Stone's family and friends embraced him. Stone declined to comment to the Tifton Grapevine. BOE Chairman Jones also declined to comment, saying the BOE's court testimony stands as its statement.

Kim Carter, left, the widow of Donnie B. Carter of Adel, accepts Plight of Georgia's Spirit of Service Award on behalf of her late husband during Monday's MLK Day breakfast in Tifton. Tift County Commissioner Melisa Hughes-Thomas, right, presents the award.

MLK'S MESSAGE STILL RELEVANT, PASTOR TELLS TIFTON AUDIENCE

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

In a rousing speech during Monday's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day breakfast in Tifton, a local pastor said King's dream continues.

"God is greater than the times we're in," said the Rev. Tracy McGeathey, pastor of Allen Temple AME Church in Tifton. She said King's "faith was powerful. Choose community over chaos."

McGeathey said that "unity is not political; it is spiritual. Unity is not pretending that we're the same, but If we lose the collective 'us,' we lose everything. Once a neighbor becomes a nuisance, patience and acceptance becomes optional."

She told the audience that "if we can't see each other as kindred, we cannot see each other as neighbors.

"Community is easy when it costs us nothing. I choose to see the possibility of us."

The theme of the breakfast was “Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting the Nation the Nonviolent Way.”

McGeathey implored the audience to continue carrying King's message of acceptance, equality, unity, and nonviolence.

During the breakfast, sponsored by Plight of Georgia Inc., the Spirit of Service Award was presented posthumously to Donnie B. Carter of Adel, who had worked with the Tifton Housing Authority after a 27-year career with Kelly Manufacturing Co. Carter died in December at age 54. He had often repeated the words he followed throughout his life: "Do the right thing."

Carter's wife Kim and daughters accepted the award on his behalf.

Tifton's Derrick Dove & the Peacekeepers on Beale Street in Memphis, Tenn. The band won the 41st International Blues Challenge during the weekend and Dove was named best guitarist.

TIFTON BAND WINS INTERNATIONAL BLUES CHALLENGE IN MEMPHIS

DERRICK DOVE & THE PEACEKEEPERS KEEP UP WINING STREAK; DOVE AWARDED 'BEST GUITARIST'

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Tifton-based band Derrick Dove & The Peacekeepers won the Band Championship this past weekend at the 41st International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis, Tenn. Dove also was awarded Best Guitarist at the international competition.

The world's premier blues competition drew more than 125 acts to Beale Street venues last week. After advancing through preliminaries, semifinals, and finals — judged on musicianship, vocals, originality, and stage presence — Dove & The Peacekeepers sealed their victory with a set at the Orpheum Theatre.

The past year has been a dizzying one filled with accolades for the Tifton band. At the IBC Challenge, the band represented the Wiregrass Blues Society after winning its "Battle of the Blues Bands" in Dothan, Ala., during November.

Earlier that month, Dove and his band won Song of the Year – Jazz/Blues at the 11th Annual Josie Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.

On Oct. 25, Dove was inducted into the Georgia Country Music Hall of Fame as a songwriter.

And in August, Dove & The Peacekeepers received the 2025 Entertainer of the Year Award from the International Singer Songwriters Association.

"The Wiregrass Blues Society gave us the platform and the push we needed," Dove said. "Winning their battle got us to Beale Street, and their support made this possible. Bringing home the IBC Band Championship and Best Guitarist honors is for the Wiregrass, South Georgia, and every blues fan who keeps this music alive. We are absolutely honored and humbled to be the 2026 IBC's first-place band. Thank you to everyone who has supported our journey thus far. Now it's time to double down and get to work."

Known for their "Southern-fried blues rock," Derrick Dove & The Peacekeepers not only perform around the South but around the nation, and their music has hit No.1 on blues charts in nine countries.

TIFT BOE CALLS FOR

E-SPLOST REFERENDUM

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

At its meeting Thursday, the Tift County Board of Education (BOE) called for a countywide referendum May 19 asking voters to continue the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (E-SPLOST).

The BOE is seeking an additional five years for the E-SPLOST along with the authorization of up to $95 million in general obligation bonds to support major school capital projects and retire existing school debt.

Tift County voters first approved the countywide E-SPLOST in 1997, allowing it to become a funding source for capital projects. Since its implementation, the BOE says E-SPLOST has reduced the reliance on property tax millage rates to fund school improvements.

As a result, the tax burden is shared among both property and non-property owners.

“This is not a new tax; it’s a continuation of a current tax," said Deputy Superintendent Klinton Guess. He said about 60% of E-SPLOST revenue in Tift County comes from people living outside of the county who come in to work, shop, and dine.

In Tift County, E-SPLOST is a one-penny sales tax funding school capital needs, including the construction of new schools, replacement facilities, and renovations of existing buildings. A large portion of the funds are also allocated to addressing aging technology, enhancing school security measures, and purchasing and maintaining school buses.

If approved by voters, the referendum would allow Tift County Schools to move forward with a comprehensive plan to address current and future facility and infrastructure needs.

Tift County Schools' 2026 ESPLOST Projects include:

Constructing and equipping up to three new schools serving Pre-K through sixth-grade students;
Renovating, repairing, and improving existing school facilities, including spaces supporting fine arts, athletics, and Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs;
Purchasing and upgrading instructional and administrative technology, textbooks, instructional resources, and equipment;
Improving school safety, security, and maintenance infrastructure;
Acquiring school buses and other student transportation vehicles;
Purchasing and improving land for future school facilities;
Retire a percentage of the district’s Series 2022 bonds; and
Debt service on Series 2026 bonds.

CLARIFICATION

In Friday's Weekender edition of the Tifton Grapevine, the article about ABAC President Tracy Brundage speaking to the Tifton Rotary Club should have made clear that she was speaking about Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College's agricultural education program being the largest in the nation.

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CAT OF THE WEEK

"The Pope" is one of four kittens who came to the animal shelter with their mom after a kind neighbor found the little family and cared for them until the kittens were big enough to eat on their own. Now The Pope is ready to find a forever home of his very own. At just 4 months old, The Pope has a gentle, loving personality and is eager to grow up in a home filled with care, comfort, and affection. Come visit him and see other pets available for adoption between 1-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the Tift County Animal Shelter on Highway 125 South, or call 229-382-PETS (7387).

TIFTON CITY COMMISSION VOIDS ACTIONS FROM SECRET SESSIONS, BUT VOTES PUBLICLY ON PAY HIKE

~ JAN. 21, 1963

After being called out by the public, the Tifton City Commission on Jan. 21, 1963, voided all actions it took during secret meetings in December and January, including increasing commissioners' salaries. However, in public session, commissioners then voted themselves a pay increase, approved raises for six city employees, and passed a budget for the recreation department. The commission did not approve removing beer licenses from two stores that had been decided in secret session.

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