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.

Administrators Appointed; Personnel Actions Approved

On Thursday, October 17, Board members approved two administrative appointments, as well as various personnel items. For more information, click here. Appointments are listed below.

• Tiffany Lewis, Interim Principal of VIP Academy and SOAR Academy
• Rogderick Worthy, Assistant Principal at Northeast High School

Risk Services Contract with ICB Construction Approved for Howard Renovations

Board members approved a contract with ICB Construction Group to provide construction management at risk services for renovations at Howard Middle and High Schools. The funds will be paid out of 2021 Education Special Purpose Local Options Sales Tax (ESPLOST), a one percent sales tax approved by voters. For more information, click here.

Board Approves ESPLOST Budget Amendments

Board members approved budget amendments to the 2021 Education Special Purpose Local Options Sales Tax (ESPLOST). A budget amendment was made to the renovations line item to increase it from $35,000,000 to $53,000,000 to provide for renovations for Howard Middle/High and other renovations as needed. Additionally, a budget amendment was made to the technology line item to increase it from $25,000,000 to $29,497,902. The ESPLOST is a one percent sales tax approved by voters. For more information, click here.

Playground Mulch Purchase Approved

Board members approved the purchase of mulch for several playground locations within the district. This project will be funded by the Education Special Purpose Local Options Sales Tax (ESPLOST), a one percent sales tax approved by voters. For more information, click here.

Paper Contract Approved

Board members approved a contract with Perimeter Office Products for specialized paper products. For more information, click here.

Board Approves School-Based Health Center Grant for Bruce Elementary

Board members accepted a Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) grant for the funding of a school-based health center at Bruce Elementary School. This competitive grant allocates a total of $1,000,000 in funding to construct a traditional school-based health center. Healthcare services will be provided by First Choice Primary Care to deliver comprehensive care to the students, families, and staff of Bruce Elementary. For more information, click here.

Board Approves Purchase of EV Pathway Equipment

Board members approved a one-time purchase of equipment for the newly established Electric Vehicle (EV) career pathway. The EV career pathway will be a new program designed to prepare students for careers in the electric vehicle industry. The curriculum will cover a wide range of topics, starting with an introduction to EVs, including their market evolution, environmental impact, and economic significance. Students will learn about key electrical systems, such as electric motors, batteries, power electronics, and charging infrastructure. A significant focus will be on hands-on training in battery technology, maintenance, and charging infrastructure. For more information, click here.

Board Members Approve Leadership Symposium 2025 GLISI Partnership

Board members approved a Leadership Symposium partnership with the Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement (GLISI) for 2025. GLISI is an independent nonprofit organization that creates impactful learning experiences for school and district leaders, aiming to transform mindsets, actions, cultures, and lives. With decades of experience in developing leadership capacity within Georgia's school systems, GLISI's staff, who are Georgia residents, possess deep contextual knowledge of the Bibb County School District. 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 BBE, School Board Attorney (ACTION - Second Reading)
• Policy IFCB, Field Trips & Excursions (ACTION - Second Reading)
• Policy JC, Student Rights & Responsibilities (ACTION - Second Reading)
• Policy GCN, Classified Personnel Separation (INFORMATION - First Reading)
• Policy IBB, Charter Schools (INFORMATION - First Reading)
• Policy IED, Scheduling for Instruction (INFORMATION - First Reading)

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.

Update Provided on School Consolidation Review Process

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Katika Lovett and Dr. Thelron Pleas of Towering Your Success provided Board members with an update on the school consolidation review process for 2024-25. To see the update, click here.

The timeline is currently in Phase 2, which includes the data collection and analysis phase. An outline of Phase 2 is below:

September-Ongoing:

• Conduct Surveys and Focus Groups:
• Gather input from students, parents, teachers, and the community about their concerns and expectations. Ensure diverse student voices are heard.
• Facility Assessments:
• Evaluate the condition and capacity of current school buildings, focusing on the impact on the student learning environment.
• Financial Analysis:
• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of potential cost savings and financial implications of consolidation.
• Analyze current expenditures and resource allocation across schools and administrative functions.

October-November 2024:

• Analyze Enrollment Trends:
• Project future enrollment patterns and identify schools with declining or increasing numbers. Consider the implications for student diversity and inclusivity.
• Budget Analysis:
• Review financial implications and potential cost savings of consolidation, prioritizing resources for student programs and support services.

November-December 2024:

• Develop Preliminary Scenarios:
• Create multiple consolidation and non-consolidation models based on collected data, emphasizing the impact on student outcomes, financial implications, and community sentiment.
• Conduct a detailed analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of each scenario, including impacts on student achievement, community cohesion, operational efficiency, and financial health.
• Present Findings to Steering Committee:
• Review data and preliminary scenarios for feedback and refinement, ensuring student representatives are actively involved.

The BCSD Consolidation Committee held its first meeting in September. The purpose of the BCSD School Consolidation Committee is to carefully evaluate the current structure and resources of our school district, with the goal of improving educational opportunities, operational efficiency, and financial sustainability. The committee will analyze enrollment trends, facility usage, academic programs, and community needs to provide informed recommendations to the school board, prioritizing the best interests of students, staff, and the community.

The School Consolidation Steering Committee is composed of representatives from various stakeholder groups to ensure diverse perspectives and equitable representation. The breakdown of the committee members is as follows:

• Teachers (9): Includes representatives from different grade levels and subject areas.
• Parents (10): Represents families from different schools affected by the consolidation.
• Business Leaders (7): Local business community representatives who can provide insights into economic impacts and opportunities.
• Community and Faith-Based Leaders (5): Representatives from community organizations and religious institutions to offer perspectives on social and community impacts.
• Central Office Leaders (9): District administrators with expertise in areas such as student affairs, teaching and learning, finance, operations, data, and human resources.
• School-Based Leaders (10): Principals and assistant principals from throughout the district.
• Students (3): Student representatives from different grade levels to provide first-hand perspectives on the impact of consolidation.
• Elected Officials (2)

A community engagement session to seek feedback and input on the consolidation process will be held in the coming weeks. Information will be shared once a date is finalized.

Bibb Celebrates Class of 2024 Graduation Rates

Dr. Katika Lovett, Deputy Superintendent, and Dr. Tamara Candis, Associate Superintendent of Schools, presented Class of 2024 graduation rates to board members. Bibb County School District maintained a steady high school graduation rate in 2024. Data released by the Georgia Department of Education put the graduation rate for the Class of 2024 at 87.04% compared to 87.07% for the Class of 2023. For the second year in a row, Bibb County exceeded the state average of 85.4%. Most high schools saw continued gains, and 3 of Bibb’s 7 high schools secured graduation rates higher than 90% – with Central leading at 96.45%, followed by Rutland at 93.37%, and VIP Academy at 91.55%. To view the presentation, click here.

Georgia Milestones Mathematics Data Released

Dr. Ethel Lett, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, shared the Georgia Milestones Mathematics scores with Board members. Current Georgia Milestones data tell us how well students have learned the knowledge and skills outlined in the state-adopted content standards in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Overall, Bibb County achievement levels increased or remained steady from the year prior. To view the presentation, click here.

Engagement Data Presented in Let's Talk Overview

Stephanie Hartley, Chief Communication Officer, shared an update on the communication platform, Let's Talk. BCSD maximizes opportunities to engage with stakeholders through various communications platforms, including Let’s Talk! by K12 Insight. The AI-powered, all-in-one, districtwide customer service and intelligence platform built for education is designed to enhance customer experience, streamline communications, and automate key processes. To view the presentation, click here.

• ART FOR MONTH: The Fall artwork at this month’s Board of Education meeting was provided by Vineville Academy of the Arts and art teacher Toni Siebenmorgan, who is also our runner-up for Bibb Teacher of the Year. The tabletop artwork was created by the Backdrop Design Club. This special club works to inspire creativity in Vineville Academy students by establishing a positive and creative atmosphere through decor design. Each pumpkin was inspired by an artist from art history. Many influential artists from the past are represented on the pumpkins created with acrylic. On the front of the desks, the autumn leaves were painted by 4th and 5th grade students using a mixed media technique of pencil and tempera. The scarecrow drawings were designed by 1st and 2nd grade students representing their ideas about the perfect scarecrow. Fall has arrived in Bibb County and inspired our artists to create this artwork to beautify the meeting. Thank you, Vineville Academy!

• TEACHER SURPRISED WITH NEW CAR: Last month, Grand Infiniti of Macon surprised Bibb Teacher of the Year Sarah Mallett at Howard Middle School with the announcement that they would be presenting her with a new car lease, and on September 21st, she got to drive away with the keys to her INFINITI QX60! Thank you to Grand Infiniti of Macon for allowing Bibb Schools and our Teacher of the Year to be a part of your grand opening celebration, as well as inviting out the Central High School Marching Sugarbear Band! Grand Infiniti has made this a truly grand year to remember!

• TEACHERS OF THE YEAR CELEBRATED: Bibb County School District celebrated all of our Teachers of the Year, the Counselor of the Year, the Social Worker of the Year, and the Media Specialist of the Year during a special event on October 1 at the Grand Opera House in downtown Macon. Thank you to Compass Rose for providing outstanding catering as always, to MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union for providing our teachers with their boutonnieres for the evening, and to all of our community sponsors for supporting this occasion to honor those who do so much for our students each day!
• CAMPUS POLICE OFFICERS DEPUTIZED: Three of our new Campus Police Officers have been officially deputized by Bibb County Sheriff David Davis! We are excited about the opportunity to continue collaborating with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. Please join Bibb Schools in congratulating Officers Travian Dennard, Jordan Bell and Tamiya Ussery on their new roles. Their commitment and dedication are invaluable to our team, and we anticipate great achievements ahead.
• HONORARY COMMANDERS APPOINTED: This fall, Robins Air Force Base appointed the new community honorary commanders for their two-year tenure! Congratulations to Dr. Cassandra Washington, Executive Director of Bibb CTAE and CEO of W. S. Hutchings College and Career Academy, on her appointment! The program’s objective is to provide these leaders with greater exposure to RAFB's mission in supporting the nation's defense and have military participants gain knowledge about the communities they live in.
• COMMUNITY CLEAN-UPS IN SCHOOL ZONES: Last weekend, L.H. Williams, Community Schools United, Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful, Pleasant Hill Neighborhood Organization, Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, and BSCD Campus Police partnered up for the Walking School Bus Neighborhood Clean-up in Pleasant Hill! Thank you to the volunteers who participated in this event! Together, your servant leadership made a meaningful impact in our community. Community members can volunteer for the next clean-up day, which is in support of Burdell-Hunt Magnet School’s community, this Saturday, October 19, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• GFPE AWARDS GRANT TO BALLARD-HUDSON: The Georgia Foundation for Public Education supports schools with its Innovative Education Fund grants and, recently, Ballard-Hudson Middle School was awarded $50,000 to pilot a three-pronged technology-centered approach to student and faculty wellness, Career Technical and Agricultural Education, and new-teacher retention. The grant funds allow the school to implement technology solutions in three ways:
• With Extended Reality platform that offers immediate mental health support for students and staff;
• With Mixed Reality New Teacher Orientation to support new teachers with continuous professional development; and
• With Middle Grades Extended Reality Summer Boot Camp to expose students to the tech industry.

• BULLYING PREVENTION PROGRAM: This is National Bullying Prevention Month and some of our schools kicked off new bullying prevention programming after Fall Break as part of Bibb PBIS efforts! Students and staff took part in training activities this week to learn more about the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program that will be piloted in several schools! The rollout of the program will start with schools that were recently trained, including Heritage Elementary School, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary, Lane Elementary, Veterans Elementary and Burdell-Hunt Magnet School!

• FIRE PREVENTION WEEK: During Fall Break, Bibb County students were honored for their efforts in the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department Fire Prevention Week Poster and Essay Contest! We are proud of these students and thankful for the hard work of the individuals who help keep us all safe! Congratulations to all of our students honored
• THANK YOU, PRINCIPALS!: October is National Principals Month! Thank you to the amazing principals who lead our schools. Every day, our principals inspire teachers, staff, and students to strive for their best!
• APPRECIATING FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE: Recently, the Facilities and Maintenance Department showed appreciation for its staff with a family fun day at Urban Air Adventure Park. Thank you to the following business partners who helped make this day possible: Arrow Exterminators, Georgia Power, Lade Electric Supply, Tremco, Cenergistic, Servpro of Macon, Andrews, Hammock & Powell, and Imperial Dade/Copaco.
• CELEBRATIONS AND APPRECIATION: October is a month for celebrating! Please help us honor and celebrate each of these key teams in our schools and district! On deck this month are:
• National Principals Month
• National Bullying Prevention Month
• National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
• Learning Disabilities Awareness Month
• National School Custodial Worker Appreciation Day
• Instructional Coach Appreciation Day
• Athletic Coaches Appreciation Week
• Fire Prevention Week
• Georgia Pre-K Week
• National School Lunch Week
• School Bus Drivers Appreciation Day
• Lights On Afterschool

• THANK YOU FOR THE HONOR: Dr. Sims thanked F1NE-TUNE organization for honoring him as the recipient of the Treasure Hunt Award during the annual gala this month. F1NE-TUNE is a nonprofit organization whose mission is celebrating and elevating Black males by changing the narrative of Black males. F1NE-TUNE has facilitated opportunities for seasoned Black males to equip adults with strategies to boost the academic, social, and emotional levels of school-aged Black males.
• ON THE HORIZON: OneMacon Business Education Partnership, also known as BEP, will focus on literacy initiatives this school year as we engage our community and business partners in becoming A City That Reads. As part of this focus, here is an opportunity for you to share your love of reading with Bibb County elementary students during the annual celebration of Read for the Record on Thursday, October 24! Volunteers are needed to read “Piper Chen Sings,” an empowering story about a girl who turns her performance jitters into confidence when faced with singing a solo at her school concert. Sign up at www.unitedwaycg.org.
• GRAD RATE EXCEEDS STATE 2ND YEAR IN A ROW: Congratulations to the Class of 2024, which posted a graduation rate of 87.04 percent, which exceeded the state average for the second year in a row! Three of Bibb's high schools celebrated graduation rates above 90 percent – Central, Rutland and VIP Academy! The graduation rate is not just a celebration of high school staff and students; the dedication and effort by ALL staff impacts whether or not our students make it across the stage at graduation. Thank you to all for your hard work and support of our students!

Meet the New Leaders

Congratulations to our new district leaders! We are excited for your continued growth and leadership.

• Dr. Anna Watson, Assistant Principal, Ingram-Pye Elementary School
• Jarred Moore, GEAR UP Director

Bibb Retired Educators Association

Each year, the District takes time to recognize the Bibb Retired Educators Association and all retired educators for their dedication to the education profession. Not only did these individuals dedicate their time as professionals, but many of them continue to return to the classroom and volunteer in our schools. With November being Retired Educators Month and Sunday, November 3, serving as Retired Educators Day, it's important to honor our retired educators!

2024 Civil Rights/Civil Liberties Excellence in Teaching Award

Congratulations Domeka Harden-Smith from Veterans Elementary School! Each year, the Georgia Council for the Social Studies recognizes educators with the Civil Rights/Civil Liberties Excellence in Teaching Award. This statewide award recognizes one educator who inspires students to take informed action when they see injustices and to be responsible contributing members of our democracy.

Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals School Bell Award 2024

Congratulations Vineville Academy of the Arts! Each year, the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals recognizes schools for projects with a School Bell Award. These awards honor innovative projects that are taking place within the schools. This year, Vineville Academy was recognized with a School Bell Award for the Amira Reading Buddies Program, coordinated by Jessica Sargent.

Georgia School Counselor Association 2024 Emerging Leader Award

Congratulations Joycelyn White at Weaver Middle School! Each year, the Georgia School Counselor Association recognizes counselors across the state for excellence in their position and continued professional development. This year, Ms. White was recognized with the organization’s Emerging Leader Award, a statewide honor.

Mr. James M. Freeman, District 6 - President

Dr. Sundra M. Woodford, District 5 - Vice President

Mr. Daryl J. Morton, At-Large, Post 7 - Treasurer

Mrs. Myrtice C. Johnson, District 1

Dr. Thelma D. Dillard, District 2

Mrs. Kristin C. Hanlon, District 3

Dr. Juawn A. Jackson, District 4

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