Republican Richard Woods is seeking reelection as Georgia state school superintendent in the Nov. 3, 2026, election against Democrat Lydia Powell.
Woods was elected in 2014 and sworn into office in January 2015, according to Georgia’s official biography and an archived education-department announcement. The election year is distinct from the start of his tenure.
Classrooms and teachers
His campaign plan emphasizes reading and math fundamentals, diploma options, personal finance, civics and career preparation. He supports reducing screen time, protecting teachers’ planning time and extending salary-step increases beyond 21 years.
Safety and funding
Woods also calls for increased safety funding, safeguards against misuse of artificial intelligence and property-tax relief while protecting school funding. These are campaign proposals, not independently established savings for individual households.
The plan reviewed does not provide a complete cost estimate, funding formula or timetable for each priority.
Office authority
The superintendent leads the state education department, working alongside the State Board of Education, governor, legislature and local school systems. Woods cannot independently enact state appropriations, set every local tax rate or control all district staffing. Local effects would depend on legislation, funding and district decisions.
The Sandy Springs Record did not receive a direct questionnaire response from the candidate and does not endorse candidates.
