Bibb County Schools want public input on consolidating schools. Here’s how you can give it

The Bibb County School District is weighing options to consolidate schools due to low enrollment and budget challenges, and officials want public input on how to do it.

Macon students, parents, community leaders and local government representatives have the opportunity to serve on the school system’s newly formed steering committee, which will drive decision-making during a time when the district is facing financial challenges , academic struggles and low attendance .

Interested key stakeholders can sign up for the committee through the district’s online interest form .

“Your expertise, insight and commitment to our community are invaluable as we consider the future of our schools and strive to enhance the educational experience for all students,” the interest form reads.

The committee’s key objectives include examining current school capacities and utilization rates, as well as analyzing demographic changes and projected student enrollment, the form continues. Members will also assess the potential impact on student transportation, staffing and community engagement before establishing a comprehensive consolidation plan.

The consolidation would be for the 2025-26 school year. The district has 21 total elementary school buildings, but some aren’t reaching recommended student numbers.

“We recognize that we have 11 schools (that) currently sit below the Georgia Department of Education’s target enrollment of 450 students,” Superintendent Dan Sims said. “This is part of the reason for our upcoming plans to analyze all of our data for decision making on school consolidations.”

The committee is part of phase one of the district’s proposed four-phase consolidation plan , which intends to emphasize future financial efficiency while also improving student outcomes and opportunities, Deputy Superintendent Katika Lovett said at Thursday’s school board meeting.

“This plan emphasizes thorough planning, rigorous data analysis, active community and student engagement so that we can make informed decisions that will prioritize financial efficiency as well as enhance student outcomes and experiences,” Lovett said.

Longtime Macon resident Stanley Stewart expressed interest in joining the committee after approaching the school board on Thursday about concerns regarding the impact of school closures on the community.

“The national poverty rate is 12.5%. Macon, Georgia, has a poverty rate of 22% ,” Stewart said. “To close a school like L.H. Williams would be disastrous because those kids already have trouble getting to school sometimes. They don’t have transportation. Some don’t have adequate food. You have to take all of this into consideration.”

Lovett said the steering committee is open to anyone in the community.

“We’re going to encourage individuals who have interest in walking along side us in these efforts to sign up,” she said at the board meeting.