Bibb County school leaders will seek more feedback from employees and community members on shaping the strategic plan in the coming weeks, Superintendent Romain Dallemand told an audience of thousands at a celebration at the Macon Coliseum Friday afternoon.

Parents, community members and others have asked for opportunities for feedback since Dallemand unveiled the strategic plan last week. Nearly 30 people offered their concerns and praise about the plan at a school board meeting Thursday.

“I am proud to be part of the community that boldly stated they wanted change,” Dallemand said. “The desire for change was reiterated over and over again last night at the board meeting we agree that we want better results for our students.”

In his remarks, Dallemand also drew parallels between the vision of success for all of Bibb County’s students in the Macon Miracle and Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

In the speech, King used the imagery of dreams to connect the people’s common goals of a more equal society together.

“Nothing could have been more powerful to inspire the masses and unify them with a common purpose,” Dallemand said. “It was natural to refer to the vision as a dream. He did so with a sense of purpose. What would Dr. King say to Bibb County? What would Dr. King say of us dreaming together?”

King was passionate about education, Dallemand said, and would have worked to bring educational opportunities to all students. The superintendent also discussed safety measures in the plan asked people to keep an open mind about the plan.

“You will learn more about the strategic plan. Until then, I impress upon you that you not close your mind to the possibilities for students because of misinformation.”

Friday’s presentation also included performances from 18 students from a school in Beijing.

For more on this story, visit macon.com or read Saturday’s Telegraph.