News Summary
Richmond County Schools has appointed Dr. Malinda Cobb as the new superintendent, effective immediately, following the resignation of Kenneth Bradshaw. This decision comes as the district faces an $11 million budget deficit. Dr. Cobb, who previously served as interim superintendent, is focused on safety within schools and the community as she embarks on her new role. Additionally, the district announced the top finalists for the 2026 Teacher of the Year awards, emphasizing the need for quality education despite financial challenges.
Augusta – Richmond County Schools has announced the official appointment of Dr. Malinda Cobb as the new superintendent, effective immediately. This decision comes in light of the district facing a significant budget challenge, with a deficit nearing $11 million. Dr. Cobb was previously serving as the interim superintendent after the resignation of Kenneth Bradshaw.
The formal introduction of Dr. Cobb took place during a meeting with the Augusta Commission and the Board of Education, marking a new chapter for the school district amidst pressing financial concerns. Dr. Cobb’s contract will extend until June 30, 2028, and she has outlined her key priorities for the first 90 days in office, emphasizing that safety will be her foremost concern.
Dr. Cobb has stressed the need for a safe and secure learning environment, underscoring that this goal starts at home and extends into the community. She has also acknowledged the support received from Sheriff Brantley and his staff during the first week of the current school year, indicating a collaborative effort to enhance safety measures within the schools.
The school district is currently navigating a challenging financial landscape, with discussions about the nearly $11 million budget deficit commencing during the Augusta Commission meeting. The school administration is actively exploring various strategies to address this shortfall and ensure that the educational needs of the students are met without compromising quality or safety.
In addition to the superintendent’s appointment, the Richmond County School System has announced the top finalists for the 2026 Teacher of the Year awards. This year, the number of finalists has increased from five to six due to a competitive selection process, which showcases the depth of talent within the district. A total of 54 school-level Teachers of the Year will be recognized at the annual Teacher of the Year Banquet, scheduled for September 18 at 7 p.m. at the Augusta Marriott Convention Center.
2026 Teacher of the Year Finalists
The finalists for the Teacher of the Year awards highlight an impressive array of experience and dedication:
- Audrey Crosby: An art teacher at Jenkins-White Elementary School with 20 years of experience, including previous teaching at T.W. Josey High School. She holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
- Latonya Jackson: An AP mathematics and computer science teacher at Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, with 19 years of teaching experience, nine of which have been with Richmond County Schools. She holds multiple degrees.
- Chef Kanesha Roberts: A culinary arts teacher at George P. Butler High School, she has a decade of teaching experience and served in the U.S. Army before entering the education field. She possesses an Associate degree from Le Cordon Bleu.
- LaShanda Mills: Teaching third-grade English language arts at Richmond Hill Elementary School, she brings 13 years of teaching experience and has previously worked as a paraprofessional.
- Kristina Istre: With 31 years of teaching experience, Kristina teaches seventh-grade life science at A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School, 28 of which have been within the Richmond County School System. She holds degrees from Indiana University and is pursuing a master’s degree.
- Andrie McFadden: A welding instructor at the Marion E. Barnes Career Center, he brings 11 years of teaching experience, seven of which have been with Richmond County Schools, and holds degrees from Capella University and Ball State University.
As the Richmond County Schools prepares for the upcoming school year with a new superintendent and notable teacher recognitions, the focus will remain on ensuring a safe and effective educational environment for all students amid ongoing budgetary discussions.
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Additional Resources
- WJBF: Richmond County Schools Names Finalists for 2026 Teacher of the Year
- Wikipedia: Richmond County School System
- The Augusta Press: Malinda Cobb Named New Richmond County School System Superintendent
- Google Search: Richmond County Schools
- Augusta Chronicle: New School Superintendent Addresses Augusta Commission
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- WFXG: Richmond County School Board to Vote on Next Superintendent
- Google News: Richmond County School Superintendent
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AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
