Richard Woods

Each year, State School Superintendent Richard Woods and the Georgia Department of Education team up with Better World Books and Action Ministries to donate approximately 100,000 books to Georgia students. Access to reading material — especially during the summer months — is crucial to literacy development and combating the ‘summer slide.’ Superintendent Woods’ Student Advisory Council – middle- and high-school students who advise the superintendent on the impact of state policies in the classroom, and participate in community service activities — help sort and package the books. Then, they’re distributed in partnership with the Georgia Public Library Service over the summer, and to school media centers each fall. The goal is to ensure every student can experience the joy of reading a book they love. Pictured from left: Whitney Smith, assistant principal at PCPS, Dr. Fanicia Harris, principal at PCPS, State Superintendent Woods, Laura Melton, PCCSS assistant superintendent, and Eric Arena, PCCSS superintendent, along with some recipients of the new books.