Candler County Schools is celebrating a significant investment in local students after Crider Foods contributed $100,000 through Georgia’s PEACH Education Tax Credit program.
The contribution, made using Crider Foods’ 2025 Georgia tax liability, will directly support projects benefiting students across Candler County Schools and puts the district more than halfway toward its $190,000 fundraising goal through the PEACH Education Tax Credit program.
“We are extremely thankful to Crider Foods for making such a significant investment in our students. Their $100,000 contribution demonstrates the tremendous impact our local business community can have on public education,” says CCSD Superintendent, Dr. John Jordan. “We hope their generosity will inspire other businesses and individuals to learn more about the PEACH Education Tax Credit and consider directing their tax dollars toward opportunities for Candler County students.”
Funds raised through the program will support three priority areas across the district:
Furnishing industrial labs at Metter College and Career Academy (MCCA)
Supporting the district’s SWIRL (Speaking, Writing, Illustrating, Reading, Listening) Literacy initiative
Updating school playgrounds with adaptive and inclusive equipment
The district is encouraging other local businesses, families and community stakeholders to consider participating using their 2026 Georgia income tax liability.
“One of the things that makes this program so exciting is the opportunity to keep these dollars working right here in Candler County,” says Jordan. “Through the PEACH Education Tax Credit, our community can help us strengthen literacy, expand career and technical education opportunities, and create more inclusive spaces for our students. It is a meaningful way to make a direct investment in the future of Candler County.”
The PEACH Education Tax Credit program allows eligible Georgia taxpayers to receive a dollar-for-dollar state income tax credit for approved contributions to the Georgia Foundation for Public Education.
For example, taxpayers can look at their 2025 Georgia state income tax liability and use it as an estimate of what their liability may be for 2026. Instead of simply paying that entire amount to the state, they may apply to participate in the PEACH Education Tax Credit program prior to December 31, 2026 and designate Candler County Schools to benefit from their contribution.
After receiving pre-approval from the Georgia Department of Revenue, the taxpayer makes the approved contribution to the Georgia Foundation for Public Education within 60 days. The taxpayer can then claim the applicable credit on their Georgia state income tax return. In simple terms: If you are going to owe Georgia state income taxes anyway, the PEACH Education Tax Credit provides an opportunity to direct eligible tax dollars toward projects benefiting students right here in Candler County.
Individuals and businesses interested in receiving the PEACH Education Tax Credit must first apply for pre-approval through the Georgia Foundation for Public Education at www.gfpe.org/tax_credit.
The Georgia Department of Revenue will notify taxpayers of their pre-approved contribution amount. Once approved, donors must submit their contribution to GFPE within 60 days. Donors can then claim the tax credit when filing their Georgia income tax return by completing the appropriate Georgia Department of Revenue documentation.
Candler County Schools' goal is $190,000, and every contribution helps bring the district closer to providing these additional resources and opportunities for local students.
For more information about the PEACH Education Tax Credit program or to apply, visit www.gfpe.org/tax_credit. Additional information about the Georgia Foundation for Public Education is available at www.gfpe.org or by calling (404) 656-5594.