Irwin County business owner Richard Woods has entered the race for state schools superintendent.

Woods, a Republican, worked in Irwin County Schools for 22 years, 14 as a classroom teacher and eight as an administrator.

Woods worked as a lead purchasing agent for a multi-national laser company and now owns a small business.

This is his second run for schools chief. He ran for his party’s nomination for superintendent in 2010. John Barge won that nomination and went on to win the general election.

About the Author

Keep Reading

A Georgia student warned friends about a shooting threat. He was expelled for it. Now a judge has overturned the expulsion. (Abbey Edmonson/AJC)

Credit: Abbey Edmonson

Featured

Travelers walk around the baggage claim in the South Terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. Atlanta is among the airports where the FAA will reduce flights due to the shutdown, and airports are facing a shortage of air traffic controllers. 
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez