Georgia

Georgia school superintendent race heats up

Published

2 years ago

October 14, 2022

Georgia school superintendent race heats up

Democrat Alisha Thomas Searcy, left, is difficult incumbent Republican Richard Woods for the state college superintendent seat. Credit score: campaigns of Searcy and Woods

Down-ballot races hardly ever seize voters’ consideration, however the two candidates operating for Georgia college superintendent hope to disrupt that narrative.

What’s taking place: Voters on Nov. 8 will resolve whether or not to re-elect incumbent Republican Richard Woods or give his Democratic opponent, Alisha Thomas Searcy, a shot on the workplace.

Why it issues: The state college superintendent acts because the chief govt officer of the Georgia Division of Training and implements coverage choices accepted by the State Board of Training.

What they’re saying: Woods informed Axios he is operating for an additional time period as a result of he needs to supply extra commencement pathways for college kids, revamp the instructor and chief analysis system, push for improved college security and deal with college students’ psychological well being.

Woods mentioned he is heard from superintendents across the state who say they’re seeing an increase in suicide makes an attempt or tendencies amongst college students.
“It is actually unlucky how that has actually stretched all the way down to a few of our youthful grades,” he mentioned.

The opposite facet: Searcy informed Axios she’s operating to unseat Woods as a result of she has the “expertise, background [and] preparation to tackle what I consider is probably the most tough time in public schooling.”

Searcy, a former state legislator and superintendent of colleges at Ivy Preparatory Academies, additionally needs to handle college security and psychological well being points, in addition to growing the beginning pay for academics, change the state’s funding components for schooling and bettering studying scores amongst college students.
“It’s simply unacceptable to me that we do not handle the individuals who handle our youngsters,” she mentioned.

Each candidates traded barbs over whether or not their opponent is the appropriate individual for the job. Searcy, 44, mentioned Woods has been “asleep on the wheel” for the final eight years and has accomplished nothing to help districts in the course of the pandemic.

“We may have been addressing psychological well being points, we may have been doing vital work to fill studying gaps, however nothing has been accomplished from the superintendent,” she mentioned.

Woods, 60, informed Axios that Searcy has by no means been a classroom instructor, which is “crucial if you’re having to make choices that largely have an effect on the people who attain our youngsters.”

He additionally mentioned whereas Searcy was a state legislator, she voted for a instructor analysis system that may have evaluated educators six instances a yr.
“I believe we now have to acknowledge that uniqueness in our workforce and make the most of them in a means which advantages them professionally,” he mentioned of academics.

Context: The race for state college superintendent competes for consideration with extra high-profile races, however some developments have been noteworthy.

Woods gained an endorsement from the Georgia Affiliation of Educators, which has been crucial of Searcy’s help of constitution colleges and a coverage that funnels tens of millions of {dollars} to non-public colleges by scholarships paid for with tax credit, in accordance with the AJC.
Searcy not too long ago talked about on social media that she felt “ostracized and excluded” by different Democratic candidates. On her web site, she lists dozens of endorsements from group members and elected officers.

Be sensible: The Atlanta Press Membership will host a debate for state college superintendent candidates at 12:15pm Monday. You possibly can watch the talk reside on GPB.org or on the press membership’s Fb web page.

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Georgia

Georgia Football Injury Report Per Kirby Smart Ahead of Georgia Tech

Published

5 hours ago

November 25, 2024

Press Room

Georgia Football Injury Report Per Kirby Smart Ahead of Georgia Tech

Head coach Kirby Smart updated the injury report ahead of the Georgia Tech game.

The Georgia Bulldogs earned another win this past weekend as they took care of business against UMass. Not only that, but Georgia also clinched a spot in the SEC Championship game after Alabama lost to Oklahoma. They will face the winner of the Texas vs Texas A&M game which takes place this week.

Before they focus on that though, Georgia has to go up against their in-state rival Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets gave the Dawgs a bit of a challenge last year, but Georgia gets them in Sanford Stadium for their final home game of the regular season. This year’s game will be played on Friday after Thanksgiving as opposed to Saturday when the game is traditionally played.

Head coach Kirby Smart met with the media on Monday to preview Georgia Tech and as always, he provided an update to the injury report. One notable player who suffered an injury against UMass was defensive lineman Christen Miller as he went down with a shoulder injury and did not return during the game. Here is what Smart had to say about his injured players:

Georgia Football Injury Report:

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Georgia

This magical Georgia town is picked as a top Thanksgiving destination in the USA

Published

14 hours ago

November 25, 2024

Press Room

This magical Georgia town is picked as a top Thanksgiving destination in the USA

Helen, a town in Georgia, has been voted as the top Thanksgiving road trip destination for families in Georgia. Helen has also earned a spot in the top 5 destinations in the country.

This was revealed by a recent survey conducted by Gunther Motor Company. The survey, which polled 3,000 families, aimed to uncover the most sought-after Thanksgiving destinations for a 2024 road trip.

The survey found that families are looking for a quick and memorable road trip that blends the holiday’s festive spirit with a rare moment to relax and recharge.

“The drive to Helen offers plenty of pull-offs and overlooks, especially at spots like Unicoi State Park, where families can stop for hiking or a picnic beside tranquil lakes,” the study wrote. “Helen itself is known for its Bavarian architecture, but nearby towns like Sautee-Nacoochee and Clarkesville provide additional scenic beauty and history.”

What are the top five Thanksgiving destinations in the U.S.?

Hāna, Maui, Hawaii
Ducktown, Tennessee
Helen, Georgia
Estes Park, Colorado
Summerhaven, Arizona

What are the other Thanksgiving destinations in Georgia?

Ranked No. 52: Tallapoosa
Ranked No. 55: Clayton

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Georgia

Georgia Labor Commissioner, and My Friend, Bruce Thompson has Passed Away

Published

21 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Press Room

Georgia Labor Commissioner, and My Friend, Bruce Thompson has Passed Away

Multiple sources are telling us this evening that Georgia Labor Commissioner, Bruce Thompson, has lost his battle with cancer.

I first met Bruce Thompson when he decided to seek the 14th Georgia State Senate District to succeed Barry Loudermilk, which would make him my State Senator. He was straight to the point. No pretense. He knew a lot about what he knew, and wasn’t afraid to say he didn’t know about what he didn’t. I instantly liked him.

Originally from Montana, Bruce wasn’t shy about sharing how Christ had changed his life. He knew that his relationship with The Lord meant that he wasn’t perfect, just forgiven. And he regularly expressed his gratitude for the Grace of his Lord and Savior.

He was a devoted husband and loving father. He leaves behind his wife, Becky, and two adult children, Faith and Max. To meet his children is to understand the man, and he was very proud of them both.

In business, Bruce was a serial entrepreneur. He ran businesses that developed software, installed pool covers, and sold insurance among others. It would not be fair to say that he had the Midas touch because all Midas had to do was touch something to make it turn into gold. No, Bruce was successful because he worked hard to make everything he did a success. In fact, this is a favorite photo I have of him when someone was a no-call-no-showed on one of his work sites. He threw on some old clothes in the Georgia heat and went to work.

A couple of years ago Bruce took a bold step and announce that he was going to challenge a Republican incumbent in Georgia’s Department of Labor. Elected Republicans simply do not challenge other elected incumbents. But it was clear that change was needed at that department as COVID had exposed how bad things could get when an important agency isn’t run well. He came into that office with a sense of urgency those who knew him had come to recognize as a key trait of his personality and work ethic.

Earlier this year Bruce announced that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. And he decided to fight with all of the same spirit and determination that had come to define so much about him. And he did it with an up-beat and positive spirit. Not too long ago I texted him to see how he was doing. He responded, “Just rocking and rolling, brother!!! Jesus is in control, and I have a darn good feeling He isn’t done with me yet!”

As I look at the legacy Bruce leaves behind, those whose lives he made better through service to them, his wife, his kids, I think Jesus is going to continue to be working through Bruce Thompson for quite a while yet. No. Jesus isn’t done with you, Bruce. Not by a long shot. Not even now. Because of what He has done through you.

Farewell, my friend. I am better for having known you.

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