Dr. Fred “Bubba” Longgrear’s life has been shaped by a legacy of service, faith, and perseverance. Raised in a military and pastoral home in Thomaston, GA, he learned early that leadership means sacrifice, humility, and responsibility to others. Those values became the foundation of his life as a husband, father, educator, and community leader. A lifelong Georgian, Bubba worked on farms as a young man, played college football at Georgia Southern University (where he was a member of the 1990 National Championship team), and pursued a career in education that began with teaching and coaching before moving into school leadership. He and his wife, Lisa Brannen Longgrear, an educator herself, have been married for more than 25 years and are raising three children – Jackson, Brooks, and Adysan – all products of Georgia public schools. Beyond education, Bubba is deeply involved in his community. He serves as a deacon and adult Sunday school teacher at Cedar Street Baptist Church, has led the Rotary Club three times, and contributes to local boards including the Economic Development Authority and the Willow Lake Golf Club Board – where he serves as President. His personal journey is grounded in family and faith, which continue to shape his steady, approachable leadership style and his passion for helping the next generation succeed.

With 30 years of experience in Georgia’s public schools, Dr. Fred “Bubba” Longgrear has built his career on serving students, supporting teachers, and strengthening communities. He has served in every major role in education – teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and for the past eleven years, superintendent of Candler County Schools. Under his leadership, Candler County has improved graduation rates, expanded literacy initiatives, strengthened school safety, and built career and technical education opportunities such as the Metter College and Career Academy and the Coastal Plains Charter High School. His results-driven approach balances academic achievement with workforce readiness, ensuring students are prepared for success beyond high school. Respected statewide, Bubba currently serves as President of the Georgia School Superintendents Association, chairs the Leadership Working Group of the Georgia Literacy Council, and was honored with the 2024 Bill Barr Leadership Award. He has also been a finalist for Georgia Superintendent of the Year,recognized for his collaborative leadership and commitment to improving public education across Georgia. As GSSA President and a trusted voice for superintendents across the state, Bubba is a frequent advocate at the Georgia State Capitol. He has prioritized building those bridges through meeting with legislators, testifying before committees, and helping shape education policy that directly impacts Georgia’s students, teachers, and families. He is an active member of multiple professional organizations, including the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL), and the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE). Bubba is running for State School Superintendent because he believes Georgia public schools are facing a leadership crisis. His vision is clear: raise literacy levels, improve school safety, expand career pathways, and restore trust between the Department of Education, local districts, teachers, parents, and families and build a culture of investment in the next generation.