Augustans are choosing who they want to represent them on the Richmond County school board this election season, in one of the most important races on the ballot.
Despite some performance issues in the past, students throughout the school district continue to improve academically. From graduation rates to standardized tests, Richmond County School System has recorded gains in the past few years. Several years ago, the district had some of the lowest graduation rates statewide. And while there is still concern about students reading on grade level, the Georgia Department of Education reports improvements on Georgia Milestone assessments in math, science, and social studies for grades 3-12.
Five of the 10 seats on the school district board are up for grabs. Voters will cast a ballot in districts 2, 3, 5, 7, and 9. District 9 is an at-large district, making its contest one of the most important races this year.
Capital B Augusta caught up with voters from District 9 and other districts when they were casting a ballot during advanced voting. We talked about the issues that matter to them and what they want from their next school board member serving a majority African American school district. We also summarized the positions of two candidates from District 9 on the issues that parents raised. And we sought comment from two other District 9 candidates.
The last day to vote early in Richmond County is Oct. 30. Polls will be open between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Voters who miss early voting will have to wait until Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The polls will be open then from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Academic achievement
Historically, the Richmond County School System, which educates more than 29,000 students across 58 schools and programs, showed some of the lowest standardized test scores and graduation rates statewide. In recent years, administrators and teachers have worked hard to increase students’ math, science, and social studies assessments during Georgia Milestones testing.
College readiness scores improved districtwide, with most schools showing an increase in average SAT scores in the past five years. Graduation rates improved in the past three years and rose 2.5 percentage points from 81.7% in 2025 to more than 84% of students graduating in four years last school year.
Shadia Taylor has two children in the district. She said that when it comes to student performance, she feels the district is doing well.
“I don’t think they should do much more. I feel like it’s in a good space right now. Just don’t over do it,” she explained.
Taylor said her daughter has attended magnet schools starting with C.T. Walker Magnet School and is now taking high school Advanced Placement classes that provide a rigorous academic workload. She said there needs to be more of a balance between assignments during school and after school because sometimes homework keeps her daughter up late at night.
Former Richmond County school parent and voter Robert Adams said improving student performance in school is the parents’ responsibility.
“That starts at home,” he said. “Ensure that the kids are doing their homework, going over their homework with them. When my children were going to school, there was no such thing as no homework.”
School safety
Keeping children safe while in school is another top priority for parents and voters this election season. Three adults were shot at Lucy C. Laney Comprehensive High School’s homecoming after an altercation between people not currently enrolled. The district also reported weapons being found on students during the first week of school.
While the district has discussed metal detectors for years, the topic is still up for debate, with Venus Cain, the incumbent in District 9, leaning towards clear bookbags. She said clear bookbags are preferable to metal detectors because they would prevent children from feeling like they are walking into a jail. One of her opponents, Delvin Howard, said he would study school safety more if elected, but wants parents to help curb violence at schools by being more involved.
Adams agrees. He told Capital B that parents should do more to monitor their children more closely before the bell rings.
“Know where your child at,” Adams said. “Know what your child is doing. When my children were coming up, there was no such thing as closed doors in the bedrooms. I could go in their room and I could search their room, I could go through their room. Parents today are not doing that. They raising children like they are their friends.”
Taylor said that some fights start with kids who are bullied for not wearing the latest fashion trends. She said the district should add more security measures.
“I would say metal detectors a little bit more. Maybe implementing the clear bookbag thing, but they had a problem with the clear bookbags. I don’t think that there is a problem,” Taylor said of the clear bookbags. “I also think that kids now should wear uniforms.”
After-school programs
Richmond County School System partners with community based afterschool programs that care for students on campus and off. Students can also participate in athletics, clubs and organizations. Some programs may have a waitlist and offer scholarships, assistance or are provided for free.
Brenda Campbell’s children are out of school, but she’s hoping the next school board members can provide a better education for her grandchildren.
“After-school programs. I’m not sure if they have those, but that would be very helpful for them,” Campbell said.
Student mental health
Brielle Bullock doesn’t have children, but voted in the school board election Thursday. She said education comes first, especially in Black communities, and that she wants to see the school board focus on student mental health.
“Just focus on the kids and probably do a deep dive on their home life, too, as well,” Bullock said.
“Maybe have some type of program or a sit down with the parents and kids more often,” she added. “Just to check in on them to make sure their mental and their emotional is good.”
Richmond County offers psychological help to kids through its support services.
Bullock said she feels the biggest issue facing the next school board members is balancing the amount of work students have during and after school.
“Making kids feel like they have to make a grade or pushing them. Making them feel overwhelmed too much if they didn’t meet that grade or didn’t meet that standard that they were looking for,” Taylor said.
