Democrat Lydia Catalina Powell is challenging Republican incumbent Richard Woods for Georgia state school superintendent in the Nov. 3, 2026, election. The statewide race concerns leadership of the Georgia Department of Education.
Powell’s campaign biography describes more than 26 years in education, including teaching in Florida and several Georgia districts and 11 years in educational leadership. Those experience figures are attributed to the candidate.
Achievement and accountability
Powell’s published platform calls for transparent leadership, responsible use of resources and community participation. She supports high academic standards accompanied by qualified teachers, modern resources and programs preparing students for college, work and civic life.
She proposes measuring progress in achievement, graduation and career readiness and using data to inform decisions. The platform reviewed does not identify a detailed new funding formula, cost estimate or timetable for reaching specific targets.
What the office controls
The superintendent leads the state education department. State education policy also involves the State Board of Education, governor and legislature, while local boards and superintendents administer their school systems. A state superintendent cannot independently set every district budget, hire every teacher or enact new education laws.
The proposals could influence statewide guidance and support for schools, but the campaign materials do not establish specific funding or staffing changes for individual local districts.
The Alpharetta-Milton Chronicle did not receive a direct questionnaire response from the candidate and does not endorse candidates.
