AJC: New Georgia school superintendent implements popular policies

Former school teacher Richard Woods grew deep roots in rural Georgia, and has equally deep misgivings about far-off bureaucrats dictating how students should be taught.

The retired principal and home school administrator from Tifton brought his gray suits and cowboy boots to the Georgia Capitol after he was elected in November as Georgia Superintendent of Schools. He also brought his antipathy for big federal mandates like testing.

The political newcomer, a Republican, listens as much as he talks in public. He’s also walked a cautious line between being an old-school traditionalist and new-school reformer, earning praise, so far, from public school lobbyists on one side, and on the other lawmakers who are bent on overhauling the system and even eliminating his job.

Read more: http://www.myajc.com/news/news/local-education/new-georgia-school-superintendent-implements-popul/nm9s2/#5bc89e48.3621568.735812