The Board Brief newsletter is a summary of the information presented and actions taken at Bibb County Board of Education meetings for Bibb County School District in Macon, Ga. Review meeting agendas, district policies, Board member contact information and more on Simbli at https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/Index.aspx?S=4013.

Personnel Items Approved

Board members approved various personnel items, including administrative actions. To view personnel items, click here. Additional personnel items were moved to New Business under the Board agenda. To view the additional personnel items, click here.

• Angel Woodard, Union Elementary Principal
• Sally Moody, VIP Academy Principal
• Dr. LaQuonta Williams-Smith, Appling Middle Principal
• Dr. Meredith Byrd, Taylor Assistant Principal
• Dr. Eric Thompson, VIP Academy Assistant Principal

Audit of Financial Statements for Fiscal Year 2024 Accepted

Board members accepted an audit of the financial statements for Fiscal Year 2024. Hope Pendergrass with the firm Mauldin & Jenkins LLC met with members of the Board and District staff to present the audit of the financial statements for the Bibb County School District for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. For more information, click here.

Truist Banking Services Contract Renewed

Board members authorized the District to renew its banking services contract with Truist Bank for Fiscal Year 2026. For more information, click here.

General Fund Budget Amendment Approved

Board members approved a proposed General Fund Budget Amendment #2. The General Fund Budget is a fluid document that requires revisions as new data is received from federal, state, and local agencies as well as from the Bibb County School District expenditure and the beginning fund balance projections. For more information, click here.

Board Authorizes Purchase of Additional Weapons Detection Systems

Board members approved additional weapons detection systems with School Security Grant and 2021 (ESPLOST) funds. ESPLOST is a one percent sales tax approved by voters. Funds will be utilized to purchase 16 additional machines to be placed in District buildings to include various athletic locations. For more information, click here.

Howard Middle and Howard High Renovations and Furniture Approved

Board members approved renovations and furniture updates for Howard Middle School and Howard High School. These approvals include furniture and installation for areas including the media centers, offices, and lobby areas. These projects will be paid for with 2021 Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) funds. ESPLOST is a one percent sales tax approved by voters. For more information, click here.

Board Members Approve Adaptive Program Curriculum for PEC Students

Board members approved the renewal of enCORE and Launch Adaptive Curriculum. The Program for Exceptional Children has implemented the online platforms enCORE and Launch to support students who are utilizing the adaptive curriculum. TeachTown enCORE and Launch represent meticulously crafted, comprehensive core curricula tailored specifically for students with moderate to severe disabilities. These programs feature leveled and differentiated content encompassing English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, ensuring that all instructional time within these disciplines is effectively utilized. For more information, click here.

Second Amendment to Intergovernmental Agreement for Project Bengal Approved

Board members approved a second amendment to the Intergovernmental Agreement relating to the distribution of Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOTs) related to Project Bengal, which has been publicly identified as Irving Consumer Products Inc. The second amendment is requested to provide for a third expansion of the project. For more information, click here.

Board Reviews Policies

Board members reviewed various policies for first or second reading. Policies must be read twice before they may be voted on for final action. To review the policies, click here.

• Policy DJEAA, Fiscal Management (INFORMATION - First Reading)
• Policy GBIA, Teacher Evaluation Appeals (INFORMATION - First Reading)
• Policy JGF, Student Safety (INFORMATION - First Reading)
• Policy FGC, Bids and Quotations (INFORMATION - First Reading)
• Policy GARHA, Employee Sick Leave Bank (INFORMATION - First Reading)
• Policy JBCCA, Student Assignment to Schools (INFORMATION - First Read)
• Policy AFC, Emergency Closings (INFORMATION - First Reads)

Stakeholders are encouraged to review policies posted after first reading and make public comment via Simbli before the proposed policies are brought back before the Board for action the following month. Simbli may be accessed through the District’s website, www.bcsdk12.net, under “About Us” and “Simbli.” On Simbli, “Pending Policies” will appear on the right side of the screen.

Board Receives Update on School Consolidation Process, Community Feedback

Dr. Katika Lovett, Deputy Superintendent, and Thelron Pleas with Towering Your Success presented an information-only update on the yearlong school consolidation review process to the Board of Education. The presentation included a comprehensive overview of the process, timeline, data analysis, and community feedback. To view the school consolidation presentation, click here.

Next in the process: Board members will review data on financial impacts of consolidation and non-consolidation scenarios that have been identified and presented for review. Read more about the yearlong consolidation review process, proposals, and how to provide feedback here: https://www.bcsdk12.net/departments/communications/district-news/default-board-post-page/~board/bcsd-all/post/bcsd-school-consolidation-review-updates

Board Receives Presentations on Instructional Improvement Programs for PEC Students

Leigh Ann Sowell, a PEC Coordinator for Bibb Schools, presented to Board members about Lexonik and Lexile performance among PEC students. This presentation provided an overview of PEC student performance and growth through the use of Lexonik at select schools as part of a pilot. PEC students are progressing through the use of Lexonik as an instructional tool to close achievement gaps. To view results, click here.

Tiffany Glasper, a representative with Beable, presented information on the District's use of the platform to create a partnership to put career-connected literacy at the heart of Bibb County by driving literacy acceleration across all tiers of students, including ELLs and kids in intervention programs. To view the presentation, click here.

• LET’S CELEBRATE: Happy School Board Appreciation! Board members, thank you for your dedication, hard work, commitment, and passion for BCSD! Our schools and staff have provided cards and other items in appreciation.

  March is when we recognize Youth Art Month. We had a great turnout for our 12th annual Bibb County Schools Student Art Show! There are about 200 pieces on display this month at The 567 Center for Renewal, representing each school’s art program. Be sure to check it out! March is also when we celebrate our employees in School Social Work, Maintenance and Grounds, and Procurement. Thank you for your dedication and support of this district each day; we could not operate successfully without you!

• IT’S CHERRY BLOSSOM TIME: It’s time for the Pinkest Party on Earth to begin! Congratulations to 2025 Little Mr. Cherry Blossom, Albert Crumbley III of Alexander II Magnet School! You’ll be able to check out our marching bands and student performers in the Cherry Blossom Parade on Sunday, March 23, at 3 PM in downtown Macon. Veterans Elementary School will showcase "Tears of a Cherry Blossom Tree" on Thursday, March 27, at 6 p.m. Get tickets at https://our.show/CherryBlossomTree.
• SUPE TALK WITH SIMS: Students can connect with the Superintendent on the following platforms:
• Facebook: @bibbdrsims
• Instagram: @drsims1906
• TikTok: @DanSims70
• CTAE LEADER RECEIVES STATE RECOGNITION: Congratulations to Executive Director of CTAE and CEO of W.S. Hutchings College and Career Academy, Dr. Cassandra Washington, who was recognized at the House of Representatives on March 13 for unwavering dedication to academic and career readiness in Macon-Bibb County.

• STUDENT VOICES HELP MAKE THE CHOICES: The Bibb County School Nutrition Department hosted its 2nd annual Taste of Bibb Student Food Show! More than 300 students from all grade levels were able to taste and rate potential new food items. Thank you to everyone involved for making this a successful event!

• TRANSPORTATION SAFETY ART WINNER: Vineville Academy of the Arts fourth grader Olivia Laney was congratulated by BCSD Transportation Executive Director Anthony Jackson for her outstanding achievement in the District’s School Bus Safety Poster Contest! She earned 1st place in Division #2 and her poster will now be submitted to the Georgia Department of Education for entry into the statewide contest. Additionally, there is a chance it could be submitted for the national competition; what an incredible accomplishment!

• CARTER TO PRESENT AT MODEL SCHOOLS: Sonny Carter Elementary has been invited to present at this year's Model Schools Conference! This prestigious opportunity recognizes innovative practices and impactful work in education, and we are incredibly proud to see Sonny Carter representing the district on such a national stage. Carter's presentation will highlight this year's theme: Energize your passion, Fuel your momentum!

• ROBOTICS TEAM ON THE MOVE: Bibb’s Robotics Team has been putting in the work, competing in regular season events, and earned a spot in the playoffs at the PCH Gainesville FRC Competition this month! But that’s not all — they were honored with the Rising All Star Award for their dedication and efforts during the build season!

• READ FOR THE RECORD: Thanks to volunteer readers who demonstrated that reading aloud is important for this year’s annual Read for the Record event, which was supported by community partner United Way of Central Georgia!

• NEW EMPLOYEES JOIN #BUILT4BIBB TEAM: BCSD had one of its best recruitment events in recent history last month, hiring 27 new employees on the spot! Find out about upcoming recruitment events and how you can join the #Built4Bibb team at www.bcsdk12.net/careers.

• STUDENT DISCUSS IMPACT AT ON THE TABLE: Each Bibb school participated in the community-wide event, On The Table, this year. Facilitated by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, On the Table is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to bring people together to have meaningful conversations about how the power of collaboration can make our community stronger, safer, and more dynamic. Students identified issues and solutions for how they can impact positive change in their own school communities. I am so impressed and proud of the level of engagement from our students!

• 9TH ANNUAL PRINCIPAL FOR A DAY: Thank you to each community and business partner who signed up to participate! The goal for Principal for a Day is to show the public at large what is happening in public schools and to collaborate in identifying partnership opportunities that will help make K-12 education in Bibb stronger in the future.

• MUSIC CLUB DONATES PIANO TO SCHOOL: A fantastic Yamaha piano was donated to the District through the Macon Morning Music Club and placed at Heard Elementary School this month. Many, many thanks to the Macon Morning Music Club for their continued contributions to our schools!

• SCHOOL TEAMS DIG IN ON DATA DAY: On our most recent Asynchronous Day this month, school teams participated in a District-wide Data Day. Educators worked together within their schools to review student achievement data as part of the planning process for the 2025-26 school year. Work sessions also focused on preparing students for the Georgia Milestones.

• BIBB FLEX COMPETITION WINNER ADVANCES: Congratulations to Jayla Evans of Howard High School for being named the winner of this year’s Bibb County FLEX Competition! Her business is called ACOS and stands for “A Couple of Stiches.” Her company makes sustainable crochet hats and bags for young adults. This is the third year the District and the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce were selected to participate in the Georgia FLEX competition, which educates students on the rewards, sacrifices, and processes incurred in establishing small businesses. Jayla received a $5,000 startup fund from the Griffith Family Foundation and advances to the Georgia FLEX Competition in April for the opportunity to win up to $10,000.

• STUDENTS WIN AT STATE SKILLSUSA: Last month, students traveled to Atlanta to compete in SkillsUSA State Championships, and Bibb’s three 1st place winners will be representing Georgia at the National SkillsUSA Competition this summer!

• PLANTING A TREE FOR ARBOR DAY: Students at Alexander II Magnet School celebrated Georgia Arbor Day by planting a tree on campus. Thank you to Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful and Macon-Bibb’s Parks and Beautification for supporting this celebration!

• SPRINGDALE CONSTRUCTION WINS AWARD: ICB Construction Group won first place honors in the 2025 Associated General Contractors of Georgia Build Georgia Awards for its work on Springdale Elementary School! This project showcased ICB’s commitment to safety, seamless coordination with stakeholders, and strict schedule management to ensure zero downtime for students.

• KAZOO WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT: We are excited to partner with Visit Macon to bring in guest speaker and author Rick Hutto to visit schools next week to learn more about Macon’s history with the kazoo!

• ON THE HORIZON: ENGAGEMENT FOR SUCCESS: We'll recognize Bibb’s 2nd annual Mental Health Awareness Week next week. Students and staff will participate in different activities all week long to help bring awareness to social and emotional wellness, stress and anxiety relief exercises for testing season, and more. We’ll also be preparing for testing season with a districtwide family engagement event, Meet Me at the Mall, on April 8 from 5:30 to 7:30

GSBA School Board Appreciation 2025GSBA School Board Appreciation 2025

We would like to join schools and districts across the state in celebrating our School Board members for GSBA School Board Appreciation Week, which was officially held last week. We’d like to thank our board members for their dedication to public education and continuing service for children in our school district.

Mrs. Myrtice C. Johnson, District 1 – President

Mr. Daryl J. Morton, At-Large, Post 7 – Vice President

Mrs. Kristin C. Hanlon, District 3 – Treasurer

Dr. Henry C. Ficklin, District 2

Mr. Barney T. Hester, District 4

Dr. Sundra M. Woodford, District 5

James M. Freeman, District 6

Dr. Lisa W. Garrett-Boyd, At-Large, Post 8

GADA Middle School AD of the Year

The Georgia Athletic Directors Association also names a statewide middle school Athletic Director of the Year Award. These individuals wear many hats as they help guide our young student athletes through the process of honing their sport for their school for the first time and preparing for the rigors of high school athletics. Congratulations, Jennifer Raymond, Miller Magnet Middle School!

Classification Athletic Director of the Year – Single A

Our athletic directors take on a great deal of responsibility, much of which goes unseen. In addition to coaching his or her own sport, each school AD is responsible for making sure student-athletes in every sport are safe and in compliance with Georgia High School Association rules. Each year, each region recognizes its Athletic Director of the Year, followed by state awards in each classification. After being named the Athletic Director of the Year by Region 2-A, Division I, Coach Tangee Hardnett, Northeast High School, went on to be recognized as the state-wide Athletic Director of the Year for Class A, Division I, by the Georgia Athletic Directors Association.

GHSA A Division I Boys Basketball Championship – State Runner Up

The District prioritizes supporting students in all of their endeavors, including interscholastic athletics. This basketball season, all six of our traditional high schools were represented in the GHSA playoffs, but we’d like to acknowledge one in particular tonight. This season, the Patriots went 27-3, including 11-2 in Region 2-A, Division I. That was good for second place in the regular season, but then they won a triple-overtime thriller against Dublin to take home the region tournament title and the No. 1 seed overall in the state playoffs. There, they defeated Bacon County, Banks County, Temple and Toombs County to advance to the Class A, Division I State Championship Game at the Macon Coliseum and finished as state runners-up to B.E.S.T Academy. Congratulations, Patriots, for a stellar season!

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central GA – 2025 Central Georgia Local Youth of the Year

Each year, the Boys & Girls Club names a Youth of the Year. This honor is bestowed by each local club on a teen that exemplifies the type of leadership that the organization is trying to develop in the next generation. Over the course of his senior year, Donald Williams, III, 12th grade, Howard High School, has served in various clubs and organizations, has participated in dual enrollment coursework, and has been accepted to more than 60 colleges and universities. He plays three different sports while maintaining a 4.0 GPA and serves as a STEM mentor through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Georgia. These efforts and more resulted in his selection as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Georgia Youth of the Year for 2025! He will represent the Clubs at state competition in Atlanta.

STAR Students and Teachers

Each year, a student is chosen at each high school in Georgia for the PAGE Student Teacher Achievement Recognition, or STAR program. These students scored the highest on the SAT in their school while also meeting other academic standards, and then they selected a teacher that has had a remarkable impact on their success. Bibb County STAR Students and STAR Teachers were recognized in a ceremony by PAGE and Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce in February. Congratulations to these students and teachers!

Central High School - Muhammad Dar, STAR Student and Jennifer Tillery, STAR Teacher

Central High School – Mary-Katherine Lewis, STAR Student and Erin Kelly, STAR Teacher

Howard High School – Stephen White, STAR Student and Deloris Mercer, STAR Teacher

Northeast High School – Hayley Terry, STAR Student and Robert Randall, STAR Teacher

Rutland High School – Garrett Roberts, STAR Student and Hema Keerthi, STAR Teacher

Southwest High School – Tristan Thompkins, STAR Student and Khoriandre Watkins-Ware, STAR Teacher

Westside High School – Kaila Lucas, STAR Student and Taralynn Watts, STAR Teacher

VIP Academy – Tanyiah Richards, STAR Student and Ashley O’Tyson, STAR Teache

Young Georgia Authors 1st Place Winners

Each year, District students participate in the Young Georgia Authors competition, beginning with competition here against other Bibb County students. From there, the best written works advance to the regional competition. Congratulations to these 1st place winners!

Ma’Layiah Kitchens, Kindergarten, Vineville Academy of the Arts

Joseph Solomon, 1st grade, John R. Lewis Elementary

Alayah Miles, 2nd grade, Hartley Elementary

Abigail Sparks, 3rd grade, Alexander II Magnet School

Jaliyah Cherry, 4th grade, Hartley Elementary

Javion Mays, 5th grade, Hartley Elementary

Adrianna S. Freeman, 6th grade, Howard Middle

Charmish Cooper, 7th grade, Ballard-Hudson Middle

Adam-Smith Toukem Sappi, 8th grade, Howard Middle

Broden Yhaliz Moore, 9th grade, Northeast High

Ameena Rahaman, 10th grade, Central High

Paul Risper, 11th grade, Westside High

Andre McCane, 12th grade, Howard High

Young Georgia Authors Regional Winners

Ma’Layiah Kitchens, 2nd Place, Kindergarten, Vineville Academy of the Arts

Alayah Miles, 1st Place, 2nd grade, Matilda Hartley Elementary School (advances to state)

Jaliyah Cherry, 1st Place, 4th grade, Matilda Hartley Elementary School (advances to state)

Broden Yhaliz Moore, 1st Place, 9th grade, Northeast High School (advances to state)

Andre McCane, 2nd Place, 12th grade, Howard High School

2025 AP Honor Schools

Central High School

Each year, State Superintendent Richard Woods recognizes schools for their performance on the Advanced Placement exams. These AP Honor Schools are chosen for various areas of success based on student enrollment, AP participation and other key factors. Central achieved two AP Honors. It was chosen as an AP Access and Support School, which recognizes schools with at least 30 percent of exams taken by Black and Hispanic students and 30 percent of all exams earning scores of 3 or higher, and as an AP Expansion School, which recognizes schools with 25 percent growth in AP participation.

Howard High School

Howard High achieved three AP Honors. Howard was chosen as an AP Access and Support School, an AP Expansion School and an AP STEM School, which recognizes schools that administered at least five exams in each of four separate AP STEM courses.

Rutland High School

Rutland High also achieved three AP Honors. Rutland was chosen as AP Expansion School, an AP STEM School and an AP Challenge School, which recognizes schools with enrollments of 900 or fewer students and exams administered in English, math, science and social studies.

Ms. Myrtice C. Johnson, District 1 - President

Mr. Daryl J. Morton, At-Large, Post 7 - Vice President

Mrs. Kristin C. Hanlon, District 3 - Treasurer

Dr. Henry C. Ficklin, District 2

Mr. Barney T. Hester, District 4

Dr. Sundra M. Woodford, District 5

Mr. James M. Freeman, District 6

Dr. Lisa W. Garrett-Boyd, At-Large, Post 8