State school Superintendent John Barge is scheduled to participate in a discussion on education issues Thursday in Macon.

Barge will join members of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus for a session titled Educational Excellence Without Excuses. State Rep. Nikki Randall, Sen. Miriam Paris and Rep. James Beverly will also be on hand.

Barge will address Georgia’s education system and ways to improve student achievement across the state. Other items up for discussion include the state’s high school graduation rate and ways to boost it, the achievement gap of black students and investing in technology and broadband access.

The session is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. Thursday in the council chambers at Macon City Hall.

The session will be viewable on the city of Macon's local government access channel, Channel 14, as well as the city's website, www.cityofmacon.net.