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.

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Board members listen during an Atlanta School Board meeting in Atlanta on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. APS held its first vote on school consolidation plans. (Abbey Cutrer / AJC)

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