Candler County School District

Superintendent Dr. Bubba Longgrear has formally announced his retirement from the Candler County School District, effective June 30, 2026. Dr. Longgrear shared his intent to retire with the Board of Education during its December meeting.

Dr. Longgrear, who earlier this year announced his intent to run for Georgia State School Superintendent, has stated that he will retire from Candler County Schools regardless of the outcome of the election.

“While we all have confidence in a win for Dr. Longgrear,” Board Chairman Craig Lanier noted, “He has our full support as he pursues this next chapter of service.”

Dr. Longgrear has dedicated more than 18 years to Candler County Schools, serving as both Assistant Superintendent and ultimately as Superintendent. His leadership has guided the district through significant growth, academic and literacy initiatives, and community partnerships.

“Candler County Schools will always hold a special place in my heart,” says Dr. Longgrear. “We’ve worked hard to become the number-one educational choice for our families, and I know that progress will continue. As I begin my next chapter, Metter will remain mine and Lisa's home, and we look forward to continuing to be active in our community.”

Dear Families,
As we head into the Christmas season, the Candler County Literacy Council would like to remind you that some of the most meaningful learning happens in the everyday moments you already share with your child.

Simple actions like talking, reading, playing, and showing love help build strong brains and support your child’s growth—without adding stress or extra work. These moments are free, easy, and fit naturally into your daily routines, especially during the holidays. We've given you some ideas below!

This Christmas, remember that your time, attention, and conversation are the greatest gifts of all.

Warm holiday wishes,
Candler County Literacy Council

In Santa Sleigh 5K News....We have now pre-registered over 100 runners for Saturday's 5K!!! If you have not yet registered...it is NOT too late!!! You can continue to register online until midnight 12/12 or you can register in person the morning of the race.

Early packet pick-up is tomorrow, Friday 12/12 from 10AM-2PM @ the Metter High School Lobby. ALL other packets can be picked up at 8AM in front of City Hall on race day!!!

The MHS Beta Club Santa Sleigh 5K & Fun Run (you can walk too!!) to benefit medical expenses for MHS Student Lila Ulmer!
Get ready to run, walk, and spread some holiday cheer while supporting a great cause!
📅 Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
⏰ Times:
Fun Run (ages 10 & under) – 8:30 AM
5K Run/Walk – 9:00 AM
📍 Location: 49 S. Rountree Street
💵 Entry Fees:
$25 – Fun Run
$35 – 5K Run/Walk

🎅 Awards & Festive Fun:
In addition to our regular Run Awards, we’ll have special Season Spirit/Costume Awards, including:
✨ Most Decked-Out Duo
✨ Most Festive Family
✨ Santa’s Most Rockin’ Little Reindeer
✨ Cutest Christmas Canine
🏅 Come for the fun, stay for the cause!

This year’s event supports Beta Club service projects and competitions, and will also help offset medical expenses for Beta Club member Lila Ulmer as she awaits a kidney transplant.
Register now!

https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/Metter/TheSantaSleigh5K2ndEdition?utm_source=platform_find_a_race&utm_medium=referral&fbclid=IwY2xjawOnqWNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFhZ1did2JNb054Y0p5ak1Zc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPNTE0NzcxNTY5MjI4MDYxAAEeRVPcId2Og-FnYAYEeMY9qDfOAZZDjPyzSbG17I4MOS2hGrcGDlnWe4fJoQ4_aem_2uo6gERtMdDyGE97LuF-DQ

The Beta Club would like to say a special THANKS to our sponsors for this event!
Randy's Wrecker & Service
Trapnell-Tomlinson Ace Hardware
Awards South, LLC
Coca-Cola of Statesboro
Daniels-Bishop Chevrolet
Excelsior EMC
Farm Bureau
Gabe Cliett, PC
Hulsey, Tootle & Harrison, LLP
IHS Pharmacy & Gifts
Jay's Fuel Stop
Metter Advertiser
Metter Graphics
Olliff & Fordham LLC
Pineland Bank
Pineland Telephone
Re/Max Eagle Creek Rentals
Sikes Brothers
The Hansen Group

We are excited to announce that three Metter High School Softball players have earned All-State Honors! 🥎🧡

• #1 Emma West – 2nd Team, Infield
• #4 Judson Vining – 2nd Team, Utility
• #8 Zailee Thurman – Honorable Mention, Catcher

Congratulations to these outstanding Lady Tigers! We are so proud of you! 🐅👏

JUNIORS: Prom Premiere is scheduled for January 15, 2026 at 7:00 pm. If you are interested in participating, please get a contract packet from the MHS office or print one from your Google classroom. These must be signed and returned to the MHS office no later than Dec. 11. Participation will be on a first-come basis. Once the spots are filled, registration will be closed. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Suzanne Hunt at shunt@metter.org.

🎭 Congratulations to the Metter High School Performing Arts Program! 🎭 The talented cast and crew earned the Region Championship today for their one act play, Ariadne's Thread! 🏆 You can catch a special community performance of Ariadne's Thread on Thursday, November 13 and Thursday, November 20 at 6 PM in the Wilcox Auditorium. Come out and support these incredible students and see why their hard work and talent continue to shine on stage! 🌟

🏆 Region 3A-Division 2 Champions! 🏆 Congratulations to the Metter High School Cheer Team — Three-Peat Champions! 🎉💪 Your hard work, spirit, and dedication continue to make us proud! 🧡🖤

🏆 Congratulations to the Metter Middle School Girls Tennis Team! 🎾 They are the Southeast Georgia Middle School Region Runner-Up! What an amazing season — we’re so proud of all your hard work, teamwork, and dedication. 💪

🔥 Metter High School Presents another One Act Play! 🔥

Metter High’s Performing Arts is bringing ancient legend to life in an epic one-act show:
“Ariadne’s Thread: A Mythic Journey”

⚔️ Heroes. Monsters. A maze of destiny.
📅 Two Nights Only: Nov. 13 & 20
🕕 Show starts at 6 PM
📍 Wilcox Auditorium (Candler County BOE)

🎟️ $10 General Admission | $5 Students
Get ready for adventure, drama, and a battle with the beast. Don't miss it!

🏆 Southeast Georgia Middle School Region CHAMPIONS! 🐅🔥 So incredibly proud of this team and the heart they bring every single day. What a perfect way to send off our 8th graders — Raelyn Brannen, Kiersten Johnson, Elisabet Mazon, Kennedy Martin, and Jaylen Manning — we are so thankful for your leadership and dedication! Proud is an understatement! 🧡

🎾 Big Win for the MMS Girls Tennis Team! 🎾
The team pulled off a 3-2 victory over Toombs County today in Round 1 of the Middle School Playoffs! 🙌
They’re moving on to the next round—stay tuned for updates on when and who they’ll face next.
Let’s go, MMS!

🎄 The MHS Beta Club Santa Sleigh 5K & Fun Run! 🎄

Get ready to run, walk, and spread some holiday cheer while supporting a great cause! (or, if your business would like to be a sponsor, please email kgrantham@metter.org for more information!)

📅 Date: December 13, 2025
⏰ Times:
Fun Run (ages 12 & under) – 8:30 AM
5K Run/Walk – 9:00 AM
📍 Location: 49 S. Rountree Street

💵 Entry Fees:
$25 – Fun Run
$35 – 5K Run/Walk

🎅 Awards & Festive Fun:
In addition to our regular Run Awards, we’ll have special Season Spirit/Costume Awards, including:
✨ Most Decked-Out Duo
✨ Most Festive Family
✨ Santa’s Most Rockin’ Little Reindeer
✨ Cutest Christmas Canine

🏅 Come for the fun, stay for the cause!
This year’s event supports Beta Club service projects and competitions, and will also help offset medical expenses for Beta Club member Lila Ulmer as she awaits a kidney transplant.

Register BY NOVEMBER 20 here: https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/Metter/TheSantaSleigh5K2ndEdition

❤️ Let’s lace up, dress up, and make a difference together!

The SWIRL Council, in collaboration with Metter Elementary and Metter High, presents LITERACY UNDER THE LIGHTS!! On Tuesday, October 28, please join us to celebrate reading in "The Jungle" with some of our MHS Fall Athletes!
October 28, 6:30 - 7:30 pm, Metter High School Football Field
This is a family event with activities for children Pre-K through 5th grade.
All elementary and younger children in attendance will receive a free book and a child's ticket to the Oct 31 Tiger Football game.
Pizza and drinks will be provided by the Jay Bowen Foundation. Books provided by Farmers Furniture and the Candler County SWIRL Council.

🎉 We're getting close! The Candler County Foundation for Public Education
is well on its way to reaching its $45,000 fundraising goal for this school year — but they’re not there yet!
If you haven’t had a chance to donate, there’s still time to make a difference. Every dollar helps support our students, teachers, and school community. 🧡🖤
👉 Donate easily online: https://secure.anedot.com/candler-county-education.../donate
Or,
Mail a check to: Candler Ed Foundation, P O Box 21, Metter, GA 30439
Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far — let’s keep the momentum going!
To learn more about the Education Foundation and what it does for our students:
https://www.metter.org/page/candler-county-ed-foundation

📣 Mark Your Calendars, Tiger Fans! 🥎

Round 1 of the GHSA Class A-D2 Softball State Playoffs kicks off Monday, October 13 at Metter High School!

🏆 The Metter Lady Tigers will take on Georgia School of Innovation and Classics (GSIC) in a doubleheader starting at 4:30 PM.

🎟️ Admission:
$13.60 per person (includes Go Fan fees)
Tickets available ONLY on GoFan (GHSA rule)
https://gofan.co/event/4955906?schoolId=GA23136
No Booster Passes accepted. GHSA passes accepted for cardholder.

🍿 Concessions:
Available for purchase using cash or credit card.

Let’s pack the stands and cheer on our Lady Tigers! 🐅💪
#TigerPride #WINatEVERYTHING

Candler County School District Celebrates 96.3% Graduation Rate for Class of 2025

The Candler County School District is proud to announce a 96.3% graduation rate for the Class of 2025, marking an increase from last year’s rate of 94.6%.

Metter High School achieved an impressive 99.2% graduation rate, while Metter College & Career Academy posted a strong 88.6% graduation rate.

Metter High School is one of only 60 districts that recorded rates at or above 95% in Georgia. Both Metter High School and Metter College & Career Academy have graduation rates above Georgia’s state average, which is 87.2%. Georgia’s statewide graduation rate has increased by 19.8 percentage points since 2011.

In addition, 70 Technical Certificates of Credit were earned in 2025 by Senior dual enrollment students at Metter High School and Metter College & Career Academy, highlighting the district’s commitment to career readiness and providing students with valuable skills for the workforce.

“This year’s results reflect the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, and staff,” said Dr. Bubba Longgrear, Superintendent of Candler County Schools. “We are proud of our graduates and excited to see what they accomplish next.”

The district remains committed to providing high-quality education and support to ensure that every student has the opportunity to graduate and succeed in life.

“Our district and school leaders, teachers, and staff have worked strategically on providing a supportive and safe school environment,” says Assistant Superintendent Dr. Cadeisha Cooper. “This fosters a sense of belonging and encourages students to stay in school.”

“Being the #1 educational choice for all students by providing outstanding opportunities for success is a key aspect of our strategic plan,” says Dr. Longgrear. “The hard work and commitment to being #1 are demonstrated through data like this. It also validates the fact that all stakeholders are working together for the betterment of our students.”

🚨 Safety First! 🚨
The Candler County Board of Education is proud to provide a new AED (Automated External Defibrillator) for the Metter-Candler Recreation Department.
This life-saving device will be available during recreation and school sports, as well as at community events in the park—helping keep our athletes, families, and neighbors safe.
"We are grateful for the Board of Education's commitment to safety and for investing in resources that can make a life-saving difference in an emergency," says Superintendent Dr. Bubba Longgrear.
Pictured left to right: Recreation Director Logan McCullough; Commissioner Blake Hendrix, Commission Chair Brad Jones, Superintendent Dr. Bubba Longgrear, and K8 Nurse Brittany Hendrix