Providing a quality education to each and every child isn’t just about increasing outcomes but also expanding opportunity.
Proud to provide thousands of dollars in P.E. equipment for our schools – programs that haven’t received this type of support from the state in decades. Parents and educators know I've been a strong champion for the arts in our schools!
Student creativity was on full display earlier this week at the art show near the Capitol. Honored to be there! Spent the evening with an incredible group of students and advisors!
I was truly honored to be named a Honorary Member of Georgia FCCLA. Thanks to Georgia FCCLA for expanding opportunities and increasing outcomes for our students. #gafccla #georgiafccla #makeitcount This now heads to the Governor's desk for his signature. 🖊️
I've been clear since the onset of the pandemic: When it comes to vaccines and masks, parents and teachers should have the complete and final say – good to see this get passed. Proven Leadership --> Reforming TKES.
Special thanks to Chairman Chuck Payne - GA State Senate, SD 54 for allowing me to come speak to his committee yesterday -- appreciate his leadership and friendship. Those who have answered the call to teach shouldn't worry about the threat of losing their certificate -- especially when they are just starting their careers and needing additional supports. Working to remove the 'Needs Development rating' non-certificate renewal threat. Glad to get this done for Georgia teachers! This now heads to the Governor's desk for his signature.
Allowing retired teachers to return back to the classroom is a common sense measure to fill shortages in high-needs areas -- without jeopardizing their full retirement benefits. Last week, I called on USED to allow school districts to cover rising fuel costs with K-12 relief funds. My goal: Keep buses running and learning going.
Earlier today, we held a call with USED and they agreed to allow school districts to use these funds to offset their costs -- a win for Georgia! I joined Governor Brian Kemp earlier today for the signing of the amended state budget, which included:
💵$2,000 one-time bonuses for all teachers and support staff 🍎Full K-12 funding for our schools Working hard to ensure teachers receive their full $5k pay raise in the FY23 state budget. Working with Governor Brian Kemp and members of the General Assembly, I am working hard to deliver for Georgia's families and educators.
Together, we are protecting kids, empowering parents, and letting teachers teach. Below are key priorities Superintendent Woods has worked to get passed by Crossover Day. I enjoyed visiting Hickory Flat Elementary (Cherokee County) and Baker Elementary School (Cobb County) to promote the importance of studying the U.S. Constitution. I dropped off nearly 11,000 pocket Constitutions.
Under my watch, we expanded American History into the early grades so our kids can have a better understanding and appreciation of our Founding. I provided every 4th grader in Cherokee County Schools with their own U.S. Constitution book, which also includes the Declaration of Independence, "The Star Spangled Banner" and "I Have a Dream." Read full story: https://patch.com/georgia/canton-ga/state-superintendent-visits-hickory-flat-elementary?fbclid=IwAR2qavUpWol-ItlplGxlmVXb_wutip_uRBc7wG-RwE1kEZMr5YStST2yicE State School Superintendent to Biden administration: Allow districts to cover rising fuel costs with COVID relief funds
Woods called on USED to allow schools to cover the cost of rising fuel costs w/ fed relief funds "As we stand committed to keeping schools open & learning going, it’s essential that districts be given the flexibility to keep up with rising diesel costs. UPDATE: Gov. Kemp working to suspend gas tax in Georgia amid soaring fuel prices Appreciate Governor Brian Kemp and state leaders moving quickly to suspend the state gas tax, providing immediate relief to our schools, parents, and educators. We're committed to keeping schools open and keeping learning going -- this is essential in ensuring that continues to take place. Under the tenure of my predecessor and current opponent, the CASEL framework and standards were being actively promoted (https://www.johnbarge.net/sel.html).
At the behest of a former Governor, Georgia applied for and was awarded a CASEL/SEL grant years ago — I stopped our state from receiving the grant and adopting its requirements. After Georgia was awarded the grant, I carefully reviewed it, vetted it, and saw it for what it was and could become — adopting a national agenda, pushing our schools to assume the role of parents, and adding more to the plates of our teachers. Let me be clear: We did not take any grant funding. We did not adopt any SEL/CASEL standards as a state. Georgia immediately backed out of the grant after my review and concerns. The truth is that under the tenure of my predecessor and current opponent, there were little to no vetting processes for grants, guidance documents, resources, etc. Each division was completely siloed — producing and promoting whatever it wanted because my opponent was off running for Governor, instead of running the Department of Education. That’s what I inherited over 7 years ago and it’s what I’ve been cleaning up ever since. Georgia cannot go back to that. Those are the facts. It's official! I'm running!
Today I qualified to run for State School Superintendent. The moment I took my first leadership position, I vowed to never forget what it was like to be a classroom teacher and to never lose focus on what truly mattered -- our children. I've never forgotten. I've dealt with the politics, weathered the storms, and fought the battles because I have a heart of an educator -- and I always will. To those who support me, I am deeply humbled and honored; I ask you to continue to get the word out. To those still deciding, I am going to work hard to earn your vote. Together, we're going to win this for our kids! Truly honored and humbled to be named a Honorary Member of Georgia Association of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (Georgia FCCLA) -- thank you!
You have my full commitment to continue the expansion of opportunities for our CTAE students. ---- Honorary membership in Georgia FCCLA is presented to individuals who have significantly contributed to the mission and purposes of the state organization. Honorees have devoted time, talent and resources to ensure the continuation of opportunities and recognition to our members. //BREAKING// One of my opponents just announced he is suspending his campaign for State School Superintendent.
We're gaining momentum and supporters by the day. Appreciate all of you who are working so hard to get my message and vision out across Georgia. We're going to win this for our kids! Update: Bonuses for teachers and support staff should be finalized soon -- bonuses we'll be working to get out THIS SCHOOL YEAR!
Appreciate Governor Brian Kemp, Chairman State Rep. Terry England, and Chairman Blake Tillery for State Senate for their support and leadership. Together, we'll deliver on funding the full $5k for our teachers. Personalities derail performance. Personal ambitions distract from achievement.
Recently, one of Richard’s opponents caused an accreditation review that put college scholarships, admissions, and financial aid at risk for all high schoolers in Gwinnett -- that's wrong! REAL RESULTS --> EXPANDING FINE ARTS OPPORTUNITIES
When I got into office over 7 years ago, there wasn't even a state-level fine arts position to support our schools & teachers -- fine arts opportunities were dying across our state. Under my leadership, fine arts is stronger than ever in Georgia. #ArtsEdGA It's essential that we protect student privacy and data.
We're providing cybersecurity tools for all school districts in Georgia to help them do just that. Truly honored to receive this recognition from Georgia's Career Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs).
I've been a champion of ensuring our CTAE student organizations thrive across the state. At the meeting, I announced additional funding so each of these organizations can lower membership dues and registration/competition costs -- expanding opportunities for our children. Georgia FBLA Georgia HOSA Georgia FIRST Robotics Georgia DECA Georgia FCCLA SkillsUSA Georgia Georgia FFA Foundation Georgia TSA LIVE Video Georgia CTI Last week, I had the honor of attending the SkillsUSA Georgia conference .
Across the state, our students are learning technical skills in high-demand fields. I want to thank our CTAE teachers for creating this opportunities and thank our students for pursuing their passions. #Construction Ready Appreciated the opportunity to speak to the Professional Association of Georgia Educators and Georgia Association of Educators.
As a veteran educator myself, I know how important it is to support those who support our children. Together, we will:
Richard Woods for State School Superintendent has led the fight against high-stakes testing:
🥊Eliminated SLOs (high-stakes tests for every course and grade) 🥊Eliminated 13 Georgia Milestones tests 🥊Lowered the weight of testing in the teacher evaluation 🥊Promoted 'Compassion Over Compliance" during the pandemic UPDATE: Georgia Senate approves 'Parents' Bill of Right'
Proven Leadership -> Empowering Parents The 'Parents' Bill of Rights' cleared the Senate Education Committee. We've worked closely with the Governor's Office and legislature on this bill to provide a clear path for parents to be partners in their child's education. Together, we will get it across the finish line. |