The Education of our children is the future of our state and our country.

Rick Townsend believes in education. Rick has made a career of fighting for Georgia's families for three decades, as a teacher, a coach, a principal, a superintendent and the CEO of our Golden Isles College and Career Academy.  He has worked at all levels of education from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grades. Rick has worked across the State of Georgia, in rural and suburban communities. He understands the challenges that our local schools and colleges face as well as those across the State of Georgia.

Education is more than just K-12. Right here in our community we have a two-year, a four-year university and Career Academy. One of the challenges that our schools face is helping students find their passion, their career path for the future, and integrating an educational plan for each student. Some of our children want a four-year degree so integration of dual enrollment at the College of Coastal Georgia may make sense. Some would prefer a nursing degree so early enrollment in Coastal Pines Technical College would get them off to a good start. Others may be interested in HVAC, welding, plumbing or many other high paying jobs that require specialized skills, so apprenticeships and our Career Academy will be more suited to their needs.