‘It’s where we want to go.’ What to know from Bibb schools State of District address

Bibb County School Superintendent Curtis Jones delivered an upbeat State of District address this week about the school system.

Among the achievements noted by Jones was Bibb schools closing the gap with the state on a calculation used to measure Georgia public schools’ student achievement and on graduation rates.

Bibb’s College and Career Ready Performance Index score for 2018 was 67.2 compared to 76.6 for the state. In 2012, Bibb’s score was 57.3, compared to 74.1 for the state, Jones said.

While the graduation rate was 79.4% for 2019, compared to 82% for the state. In 2012, Bibb’s graduation rate was 52.3%, compared to 69.7% for the state.

In addition, Jones noted that third-graders reading on grade level now is at 69.3% for 2019.

“Still not good enough, but it’s where we want to go,” Jones said.

His address came at “Victory in Progress” luncheon Thursday before a standing-room-only crowd. The address was aired live on Facebook.

Here are some other highlights:

▪ The school district has awarded 24 Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen scholarships since 2016. The needs-based, state scholarship and mentoring program includes financial, social and academic support and includes a district share of $2,500 per $10,000 scholarship.

▪ Two Bibb schools received national recognition: Skyview Elementary, National Elementary and Secondary Education Act Distinguished School in February, and Carter Elementary, National ESEA Distinguished School to be honored in 2020.

▪ A pilot program to develop agricultural education in elementary schools will begin this year in 20 schools across the state, including at Heard Elementary School in Bibb County. Agricultural projects for Heard Elementary students include sensory gardens, musical rain catchers and hydroponic vegetable rigs.

▪ $2.75 million raised for the Leader in Me program for all Bibb County schools. The program teaches students how to be leaders based on “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” a self-improvement book by Stephen R. Covey.

Jones, who came to Bibb County schools in April 2015, earned the 2019 National Superintendent of the Year in February.

Telegraph archives were used in this report.

This story was originally published September 25, 2019 at 5:50 PM.