State superintendent runoff candidates speak to voters at Chatham Area Republican Women’s luncheon

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Two opposing candidates shared a table at the monthly Chatham Area Republican Women’s meeting today.

Richard Woods and Bubba Longgrear will face off in the June 16 runoff to become the Republican candidate for state superintendent. The opponents spoke with members about what sets them apart and their stance on key educational issues.

Woods is the incumbent in the race, looking to secure his fourth term in the seat. Woods topped the ballot May 19, just under 1,000 votes short of winning the majority.

Woods said one of his greatest achievements was getting rid of the Common Core in schools across the state. He said his 11 years of experience in the role sets him apart.

“I am very confident that that is one of the strong points I have, I don’t need training wheels, I have experience at the local level, state level, but also at the national level,” Woods said.

Longgrear touts experience as local superintendent

Bubba Longgrear has over 30 years working in education, spending the last 11 as Candler County’s superintendent. He also currently serves as the president of the Georgia School Superintendents Association.

Longgrear said he is running to better education in the state.

“It’s time for a change in education in Georgia and I bring the experience to bring positive change and improve outcomes for students and families,” Longgrear said.

Both candidates said they feel confident ahead of the runoff.

“Many people had thought I won that night so we will let them know we are a little bit short, but with their help coming back out we’ll be in good shape,” Woods said.

“We pushed a three time incumbent into a runoff and hopefully we can narrow that margin as we go to the runoff coming up soon,” Longgrear said.

Literacy rates top of mind for voters

Members were given the opportunity to ask the candidates questions. Top of mind for voters was the rate of literacy, a common issue in schools.

Woods has worked on literacy over his tenure as superintendent, creating a program that brings literacy coaches to the lowest performing districts.

“The general assembly finally adopted the model that I proposed, so I think I am the individual who is most qualified to implement the model we have already created in the state,” Woods said.

Longgrear said literacy has declined during Woods’ tenure.

“It slipped significantly over the past 12 years, we need a leader who will be willing to work with all stakeholders to find solutions, and I am willing to do that,” Longgrear said.

Candidates answered questions about literacy, inclusion in special education classes and the role of the U.S. Department of Education.

Debate sparks criticism over campaign funding

The luncheon comes just days after the candidates went head to head on a debate stage in Atlanta. During the debate, Woods criticized Longgrear’s track record and raised questions over his campaign’s funding.

Longgrear said he has out-fundraised Woods, all through grassroots organizing. He also defended his experience and condemned the attacks.

“I think I have proven my strong leadership, I’ve been a principal, he has not, I’ve been a local superintendent successfully, he has not,” Longgrear said. “I’m going to take the high road, I am not going to throw shade or be critical, I don’t like that in people.”

Woods accused Longgrear of using dark money over the course of his campaign. Longgrear said his campaign has been funded through grassroots organizing.

The winner of the runoff will go on to face Democratic nominee Lydia Powell in November.