Bibb County Schools expand support for students with behavioral challenges. What we know

Facing less state services for students with behavioral needs, the Bibb County School District unanimously approved Thursday a contract renewal for registered behavior technicians to continue providing support to students with disabilities.

The district has seen a rise in significant behavioral concerns among students with disabilities who exhibit cognitive deficits, marking an increase in demand for registered behavior therapist services this academic year, according to a memorandum shared at the board meeting.

“Therefore, there is a need to bring this as (an) action item for approval,” said Elaine Beverly, BCSD procurement director.

The authorized contract will provide more support to students who require more assistance than what behavior specialists provide in classrooms but do not qualify for the more intense services provided by the state’s Network for Educational and Therapeutic Support program. It will also help the district to mitigate the severity of student behaviors and enhance behavioral competencies of classroom staff, the memorandum said.

“The Bibb County School District is working to support our students with behavioral concerns. The state department of education has narrowed the scope of services of programs offered through the GNETS program,” the district told The Telegraph in an email. “As such, Bibb County is managing students that previously may have been supported in this program.”

“Additionally, since the pandemic, we have seen an increase of students with high intensity behaviors entering school for the first time. These students may have autism, mental health issues or other disabilities,” the district added.

Last month, school officials revealed student misconduct is a major issue in the district, with incivility, fighting and disorderly conduct being the most commonly reported.

The district currently contracts with six registered behavioral technicians through the Program for Exceptional Children that serve six different schools, said Jennifer Donnelly, executive director of the district’s program.

Board member Lisa Garrett-Boyd commended Beverly and Donnelly for their efforts, emphasizing the benefits they have for the students.

“I was talking to a parent yesterday, and she said because her child has finally been able to get a behavior management specialist, this is the first time he has ever met all of his goals,” Garrett-Boyd said. “And that’s what we’re looking for.”

While the PEC Department remains committed to providing behavioral support, the complex need for “students necessitates more comprehensive training and coaching for classroom staff,” school officials said.

The contract purchases will be financed through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and is not anticipated to exceed a total of $160,000, school officials said.

Bibb County Schools will also host a Transition Resource Fair for students with disabilities and their families at 10 a.m. on March 8. The event will take place at the Professional Learning Center, which is located at 2003 Riverside Drive.

“The purpose of this fair is to connect students with disabilities, as well as their families, with the resources and opportunities available to them after high school,” the district said in a news release. “This will include various agencies and organizations that provide education and employment for individuals with disabilities.”

Board OKs campus safety upgrades

The Bibb County Board of Education approved the purchase of audio enhancement safety equipment.

“These purchases will enhance existing safety measures while also adding additional safety tools to advance our precautionary measures targeting a safe learning environment,” BCSD Chief Information Officer Kevin Adams said.

The new equipment, such as classroom microphones, staff safety badges and hands-free intercoms, will ensure seamless communication across campuses, according to a memorandum shared at the board meeting.

The systems also integrate discreet alert buttons into teachers’ microphones, allowing them to quickly notify the front office during emergencies, Adams added.

Following the mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, Adams said state legislators prefer school districts to have equipment that allows each staff member to immediately place a school on lockdown, if necessary.

This story was originally published February 21, 2025 at 9:17 AM.