Richmond County could get new superintendent for new school year

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The Richmond County School System could get a new superintendent this week ahead of the start of the school year.

During a recent meeting on personnel, the Richmond County Board of Education agreed to make a decision by July 22.

How to get free back-to-school supplies if you need them

The new school year is right around the corner, and some groups are holding school supply drives to help students and parents.

That’s Tuesday, when the board has a meeting scheduled at 6 p.m.

School starts on Aug. 4 for elementary schools and Aug. 5 for all other schools.

There were 35 candidates total, but the board has narrowed the list to six.

School board members began the process of replacing the former school superintendent months ago, but behind closed doors, they have been divided on their top pick.

Augusta leaders gather to answer community questions about education and crime

District Attorney Jared Williams and Sheriff Eugene Brantley were joined by state representatives Karlton Howard and David Wilkerson at Destiny Worship Center Ministries.

Board member Monique Braswell has blamed dysfunction on the board for delays in naming the next leader of Richmond County schools.

The vetting of candidates is held behind closed doors, so we do not know the name of their final picks, but we do know interim Superintendent Malinda Cobb applied for the position.

She has worked for the district in various capabilities for several decades.

Her most recent positions include serving as assistant superintendent and associate superintendent.

Literacy center helping Richmond County kids improve their reading skills

Betsy VanDeusen with the Harris Literacy Center says Richmond County mirrors the national numbers on literacy and is sometimes even on the lower end.

Results from a community survey show more than 60% of parents, teachers and other members of the community want their next superintendent to keep some of the same style of the previous administration but with some necessary changes.

Only about 10% wanted someone to stay the course and continue the style and vision of the previous administration.

SEE THE SURVEY RESULTS:

Former Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Bradshaw announced his resignation in December.

He left just as four new board members were sworn in on the Richmond County Board of Education.