Bibb School System Wins Accreditation
By Julie Hubbard, The Macon Telegraph, Ga.
Feb. 14–The Bibb County school system was recommended Wednesday for systemwide accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
A team of 11 outside educators reviewed the school system Monday and Tuesday to see whether it meets a standard of excellence. Bibb County had to demonstrate effective leadership and governance, as well as show that it uses research-based teaching in the classroom, among other criteria. It also had to show that it continues to work on school improvements.
School officials got the nod of approval at a packed school board meeting attended by Bibb principals and community supporters.
“We did not find any deficiencies,” said Chairwoman Janet Womack, an administrator in the Auburn, Ala., school system. “We found they met or exceeded standards. That says they are seeking the concept of moving from good to great.”
The team visited 10 schools and interviewed 511 people with ties to or interest in the schools, including principals, students and members of the community, about how they view the public school system.
From the review, the association found the system is providing strong leadership, is using data to improve student learning, is providing equitable resources and support for each school, and has a strong partnership with the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce.
The team found Bibb was facing such challenges as improving the school system’s public perception, closing the achievement gap among low-income and minority students and improving math scores and graduation rates. Increasing parental involvement also was listed.
Superintendent Sharon Patterson nearly broke into tears while giving a congratulatory speech, thanking school principals after the recommendation.
“This is the validation of the hard work over a long period of time,” she said later. “It means we continue to work for improvement toward the vision of the district.”
The school system is scheduled to receive a letter from the association in 30 days confirming the oral recommendation and findings, Womack said. Before the accreditation is final, the team’s recommendation will have to be approved by the association’s board of trustees in June.
Accreditation is for five years. In two years, the Bibb County schools will have to complete an association review of its challenges listed for improvement, Womack said.
There are about 50 school systems in Georgia with systemwide accreditation by the association, including Monroe, Jones and the Dublin city system. Nationally, there are about 200.
Previously, 41 of Bibb County’s schools were individually accredited by the association. But in 2002, there was a shift by the association to accredit entire systems rather then individual schools.
For systems, the distinction is a way to measure their work and progress. High school seniors must come from an accredited school to be eligible for the HOPE Scholarship for college.
“We’re all here to celebrate the great work we do for our students and school community,” said Benjy Spann-Morgan, principal of Ballard-Hudson Middle school.
“We all have different initiatives in our schools,” she said. But there is a common thread running through the system now that “is stronger than ever.”
“It’s the same language, same voice and same lesson,” she said.
To contact writer Julie Hubbard, call 744-4331.
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