The Ledger

By Becky Holland

A candidate for Georgia State School Superintendent is bringing both decades of experience in education and a personal connection to Cochran as he makes his case to voters.

Dr. Fred “Bubba” Longgrear, a longtime educator and current superintendent of Candler County Schools, recently spoke with The Ledger about his background, his decision to run, and his vision for the future of public education in Georgia.

It wasn’t that long ago that Longgrear was a kid riding his bike through the streets of Cochran.

During that time, his father was serving as pastor of a local church, and Longgrear attended Bleckley County schools from sixth through 10th grade.

Longgrear, 54, has spent more than 30 years working in Georgia’s public school system. He began his career as a teacher and coach before moving into school leadership, serving as an assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and for the past 11 years, superintendent of Candler County Schools. He plans to retire from that role in June.

During his tenure in Candler County, Longgrear has overseen improvements in graduation rates and literacy initiatives while expanding career and technical education opportunities, including the development of the Metter College and Career Academy and Coastal Plains Charter High School.

At the state level, Longgrear currently serves as president of the Georgia School Superintendents Association and has been active in education policy discussions at the Capitol.

He was named the 2024 recipient of the Bill Barr Leadership Award and has also been recognized as a finalist for Georgia Superintendent of the Year.

Longgrear said his decision to run for State School Superintendent came after encouragement from others and firsthand experience working with lawmakers.

“People started coming to me and encouraging me to run,” Longgrear said. “I spent about 25 days at the Capitol working with legislators, and what I discovered was they were looking for a partner.”

He said legislators expressed frustration over a lack of collaboration from current leadership.

That experience, combined with his background in education, led him to enter the race.

Despite his long career in public service, Longgrear noted this is his first time seeking elected office.

“I’ve never run for anything in my life,” he said with a laugh. “I think I was parliamentarian for 4-H in sixth grade, but I was pretty much told that’s what I was going to be.”

On the campaign trail, Longgrear said he has seen strong support.

Longgrear said his campaign is focused on improving literacy, strengthening school safety, expanding career pathways for students, and rebuilding trust between the state Department of Education and local school systems.

“Financially, we’ve raised about twice as much as the other candidates,” he said, noting he has also received some outstanding endorsements. “It has all been very positive.”

Among those endorsements are Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns and Senate Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte.

Reflecting on his time in Cochran, Longgrear spoke fondly of the community.

“I loved it,” he said. “It has a great school system, good teachers, and it’s a good small town.”

Longgrear, married and a father of three, paused when asked what advice he would give his younger self.

“Embrace relationships,” he said. “Develop strong relationships with people you connect with.”

Then, with a laugh, he added: “And be a better student.”

Early voting starts April 27, with the primary on May 19.