Building Collaborative Partnerships for Educational Improvement

I joined the Bibb County School District more than a year ago, and I began working immediately to engage the entire community in a Strategic Planning process to chart a new course for public education in Bibb County. Rather than setting the educational direction and goals using a small, core group of administrators, I invited parents, community and business leaders, politicians, faith-based representatives, and every employee to be a part of this Strategic Planning process.

More than 4,500 people attended each of the first two Strategic Planning sessions at the Macon Centreplex on September 19 and October 10, 2011. These sessions laid the foundation for the Bibb County School District's Strategic Plan, "The Macon Miracle," which I unveiled in February and which was approved by Board members in March. This Strategic Plan will guide the change and improvement needed in order to ensure all children receive a high-quality education that will prepare them to be competitive and successful in a global economy.

As we begin putting "The Macon Miracle" into action, I would like to extend an invitation to ministers and representatives from community groups to join me for a gathering to discuss the many ways churches and community organizations may work together with the District to ensure a better future for our children. It is vital that the District partner with the community to extend our efforts to prepare our students for a 21st century multi-ethnic global economy.

I will host two gatherings of community groups and organizations on Friday, May 18, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the fourth floor Board Room of the administrative offices of the Bibb County School District, located at 484 Mulberry Street, Macon.

I will also host a gathering of church leadership on Saturday, May 19, at 10 a.m. at Central High School, 2155 Napier Avenue, Macon.

If you would like to attend one of these sessions, please RSVP to Kim Pelt in the Office of Communications at (478) 765-8548 or at kzwally@bibb.k12.ga.us by Friday, May 11.

I look forward to hearing from the community about how we can work together in unity for all of Bibb County's children.