2 start run for state schools chief | members.jacksonville.com

ATLANTA | Two more candidates will announce next week they are joining the race for state superintendent of schools: one a Republican, the other the first Democrat to announce.

Republican Nancy Jester, a former actuarial consultant and one-time DeKalb County school board member, will join Matt Shultz, Richard Woods and Fitz Johnson in the GOP primary.

Jester will make improving the financial operation of the Department of Education and local school boards a priority if elected. She’ll also seek reductions in state funding or state control for chronically underperforming schools.

“If schools are failing, there need to be consequences,” she said Friday.

Tuesday, Rep. Alisha Thomas Morgan of Austell will become the only Democrat in the race so far. She wants to build on her 12 years in the General Assembly.

via 2 start run for state schools chief | members.jacksonville.com.