Candidate for Georgia State School Superintendent

BUFORD, Ga. — With three decades of experience in Georgia’s public education system, including 11 years as a superintendent, Republican candidate Bubba Longgrear is seeking to lead the state’s schools as Georgia’s next superintendent.

Longgrear, who has served as a teacher, coach, principal and special education director, says his campaign is rooted in classroom experience and collaboration with local districts. He currently serves as president of the Georgia School Superintendent Association and sits on the Georgia Literacy Council and the governor’s superintendent advisory council.

In an interview with The North Gwinnett Voice, Longgrear outlined his priorities for improving literacy, strengthening discipline and teacher support, and ensuring students graduate prepared for college or careers, while emphasizing the need for state leaders to listen closely to local school systems.

Understanding local districts

Q: What is your familiarity with Gwinnett County Public Schools and Hall County Schools, and what are their strengths and challenges?

I am familiar with both Gwinnett and Hall County school districts. Their strengths include outstanding, dedicated staff members and communities that strongly support student success.

Their challenges mirror those across Georgia but on a larger scale. As populations grow and become more diverse, districts must ensure every student is served effectively and in a way that meets family expectations.

Academic performance and literacy

Q: How would you address academic gaps and literacy concerns?

The first step is clearly defining what students need to know, understand and be able to do to succeed beyond high school. Once those goals are established, we can focus on strategies that prepare students for both college and careers.

Too often, we become distracted by data points that are not aligned with long-term student success.

“Literacy is our number one priority, and we must be committed to ensuring students reach grade-level expectations.”

Teacher retention and support

Q: What steps would you take to recruit and retain teachers?

One of the main reasons teachers leave the profession is due to discipline challenges in the classroom. We must maintain high expectations for student behavior and take appropriate action when those expectations are not met.

Teachers also need support, resources and a voice in the classroom. They should be treated as professionals who entered this field because they care about students.

Student environment

Q: What policies would you prioritize regarding student behavior and safety?

We must support districts in maintaining high expectations for behavior. Inconsistent discipline policies can negatively impact classroom environments.

Clear policies that fully support school administrators are essential to creating safe and effective learning spaces.

School funding and policy

Q: Do you believe Georgia’s current school funding model is effective?

The current QBE funding model has worked well overall, but it should be adjusted to reflect modern needs. Any major changes should be carefully tested before being implemented statewide.

College and career readiness

Q: How should schools prepare students for life after graduation?

We must shift the focus from graduation rates to preparedness. Literacy, numeracy, technical skills and career readiness should all be priorities.

Not all students will pursue college, and schools must strengthen career and technical pathways to meet diverse student goals.

“We must focus on how prepared students are after graduation — not just whether they graduate.”

Vision for Georgia’s schools

Q: What is your vision for the future of Georgia’s education system?

My goal is for public education to be the top choice for families. Schools should provide supportive, well-managed environments that prepare students for successful futures.

Closing

Q: Why should voters choose you?

I am the most experienced candidate in this race, having served in every role within public education. I am committed to collaboration, hard work and serving families across Georgia.