Q&A with Kia Chambers, seeking reelection to Muscogee County School Board
Editor’s note: This is one of the Ledger-Enquirer Q&As with candidates running for a contested seat on the Muscogee County School District Board. Early voting for the 2026 local nonpartisan election, which coincides with the Georgia primary, begins April 27, and election day is May 19.
The contest for the countywide at-large seat on the nine-member Muscogee County School District Board is between 12-year incumbent Kia Chambers and challengers Sadiyah Abdullah and Kevin Miller.
Here is the Ledger-Enquirer’s emailed interview with Chambers:
Why are you seeking election to the MCSD Board?
“I am running for reelection because our school district deserves experienced, knowledgeable leadership that understands both the opportunities and the challenges facing public education. As a current board member, former board chair and now chair of the finance committee and member of the audit committee, I have played a direct role in helping guide important decisions that impact more than 30,000 students across Muscogee County. Ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars while investing in programs that strengthen student achievement has been a central focus of my work.
“My background in education — including a Ph.D. from Auburn University along with advanced degrees in elementary, secondary and gifted education — provides a strong foundation for the work of school governance. Effective school board leadership requires more than good intentions; it requires knowledge of education policy, financial oversight and the ability to collaborate with educators, parents, business leaders and community partners.
“During my service on the board, I have supported initiatives that expand opportunity for students, including the growth of Career, Technical and Agricultural Education pathways and investments in early literacy and school improvement. These efforts help ensure that students graduate prepared for college, careers and the workforce.
While we have made meaningful progress, there is still important work ahead. I believe leadership matters, experience matters, and thoughtful decision-making matters. I am running for reelection because I bring the knowledge, the experience and the proven commitment necessary to continue moving the Muscogee County School District forward.”
Why should Columbus residents vote for you?
“Voters should support my reelection because I bring experience, proven leadership and a deep commitment to our community. As a product of the Muscogee County School District, I understand firsthand the impact that strong schools, dedicated teachers and supportive communities can have on a student’s future. The education I received here helped shape my path to earning multiple advanced degrees and building a career in leadership, business and public service.
“Serving on the school board allows me to give back to the very system that helped shape my life. As a current board member, business owner and community leader, I understand how to bring people together to solve problems and move initiatives forward. I approach decisions with integrity, preparation and a focus on what is best for students, families and educators.
“My goal has always been simple: strong schools, empowered teachers and successful students. Muscogee County invested in me as a student and when I was a classroom teacher, and I remain committed to investing in the future of every student in the Muscogee County School District.”
What is your most significant accomplishment as a board member?
“One of the accomplishments I am most proud of during my tenure on the Muscogee County School Board has been helping advance innovative initiatives that expand opportunities for students. As a board member, I have been actively engaged in the conversations, planning and collaboration required to bring many of these ideas to fruition.
“This work required studying successful models across the state and nation — traveling to other districts, asking questions and listening carefully to educators, the business community, the Chamber of Commerce and other community partners. Those partnerships helped shape initiatives like the transformation of Jordan Vocational High School into a College and Career Academy, where students benefit from rigorous academics alongside CTAE pathways in fields such as engineering and healthcare, as well as real-world opportunities through dual enrollment, internships and work-based learning.
“Equally important is our investment in the earliest stages of learning. I am proud to support the Early Literacy Innovation Program at Brewer Elementary School, which reflects a research-based understanding that literacy is the foundation of all academic success. This focused instructional model provides targeted support for some of our most vulnerable learners, ensuring students develop strong reading proficiency in the early grades.
“Additionally, the launch of the Buntin Schools of Excellence initiative, named in honor of former superintendent Dr. Jim Buntin, represents an important commitment to strengthening teaching and learning in schools serving high-poverty communities. The initiative focuses on professional learning, trauma-informed practices and high-impact instruction to support both educators and students.”
What is the most significant issue you want to advocate for, and what will be your solution if reelected?
“One of the most significant issues I will continue to advocate for is expanding Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) opportunities across our district, particularly beginning in the earlier grades. Introducing students to career pathways at a younger age allows them to explore their interests, develop practical skills and make informed decisions about their academic and career futures.
“I will continue working to expand these pathways and strengthen partnerships with institutions such as Columbus Technical College and Columbus State University so that students have greater access to dual enrollment, industry certifications and workforce-aligned programs that prepare them for success beyond high school.
“Equally important is maintaining strong financial stewardship of taxpayer dollars. As chair of the finance committee and a member of the audit committee, I have worked to ensure that our district manages its resources responsibly and transparently. That same commitment to fiscal responsibility also includes advocating for competitive teacher salaries. Our educators are the foundation of student success, and I will continue to support teacher pay raises in a responsible and sustainable manner that allows us to attract and retain high-quality teachers while protecting the long-term financial stability of the district.
“By expanding opportunities for students while responsibly investing in the professionals who teach them, we can continue strengthening Muscogee County School District for the future.”
What is your occupational and educational background?
“I have dedicated my career to education, leadership and service to our community. I hold multiple advanced degrees in education, including a master’s degree, an educational specialist degree and a Ph.D. in education, which have provided me with a strong foundation in educational leadership, policy and student achievement.
“My professional experience spans both the education sector and the private sector, giving me a well-rounded perspective on workforce readiness, economic development and the importance of preparing students for real-world success.
“In addition to my academic credentials, I am also a licensed real estate broker and business owner, leading a brokerage that serves clients across our region. I hold multiple professional licenses in real estate, insurance (life and health) and property and casualty (P&C;). I have also successfully passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) examination, which reflects my knowledge of financial markets and investment principles.
“This combination of advanced education, business leadership and professional licensure allows me to approach decision-making with both an educator’s mindset and a business leader’s discipline — ensuring that policies support strong schools, responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars and pathways that prepare students for college, careers and entrepreneurship.”
What is your community involvement and history of leadership roles?
“My leadership spans education, business and civic engagement. In education, I have served on the Muscogee County School Board since 2014 and currently serve as finance chair and a member of the audit committee. I am the Immediate past president of the Muscogee County School Board and served as the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) District 3 representative. I am also a former Teacher of the Year and served as a university supervisor at Columbus State University, supporting the development of future educators.
“Professionally, I am a real estate broker and serve on industry committees including REACH and GARPAC. I am a Circle of Excellence recipient and a graduate of the inaugural Leadership Academy at the Columbus Board of Realtors. I am also a graduate of Leadership Georgia (Class of 2009) and Leadership Columbus (Class of 2012).
“My civic involvement includes serving as past president of the North Columbus Rotary Club, former board member and Partners In Education (PIE) chair through the Junior League of Columbus, immediate past president of the Columbus, Georgia, Chapter of The Links Incorporated and an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. I am also the founder of multiple community initiatives like the KIA FOR KIDS scholarship, the Women’s Empowerment and Self-Care Brunch and the Gold Star Excellence in Education Initiative.
“These leadership roles reflect my lifelong commitment to public service. I remain dedicated to strengthening our schools, supporting our community and ensuring every student in Muscogee County has the opportunity to succeed. For me, this work has never been about a title — it is about making a lasting difference in the lives of our children and shaping the future of our community.”
What else should the Ledger-Enquirer’s readers know about you and your campaign?
“My campaign is built on experience, preparation and a proven commitment to the students and families of Muscogee County. Since being elected to the Muscogee County School Board in 2014, I have worked diligently to provide thoughtful leadership, responsible governance and strong financial stewardship on behalf of our community.
“With a professional background that includes serving as a classroom educator, Teacher of the Year, and university supervisor at Columbus State University, I bring both educational expertise and practical leadership experience to the board table. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of how board decisions impact students, teachers and families across our district.
“Throughout my service, I have remained focused on strengthening our schools, expanding opportunities for students and ensuring that every decision is made with students’ success at the center.
“Our students deserve leadership that is informed, experienced and focused on results. I am committed to continuing the work of moving our district forward and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
This story was originally published April 8, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
