‘Just in shock.’ Macon parents want answers on Alexander II Magnet principal change

The Bibb County Board of Education’s recent decision not to extend Alexander II Magnet school leaders’ contracts into the 2025-26 academic year has left some parents and students upset.

School stakeholders said they plan to rally together to demand answers and urge the board to reconsider its decision at next month’s upcoming board meeting, as well as organize peaceful protests.

The board decided last week not to approve contract renewals for Alexander II Principal Angel Woodard and Assistant Principal Meredith Byrd. The board voted 6-2 against the renewals. Both school leaders are still in their positions until this academic year ends.

Parents were notified of the non-renewal decision earlier this week through letters sent home in students’ bookbags and district messages via the Remind app, according to school community members.

Parent Deondra Patterson said she was shocked when she heard the news, fearing it could potentially disrupt the school’s progress and the well-being of both students and staff.

“Honestly, I was deeply disappointed about their decision, because both (the principals) are very strong leaders who truly care about the students and staff,” Patterson said. “I believe that since they’ve been in their positions, they have made a positive impact on the school, and I’m just not understanding the reason for the decision.”

Last month, Alexander II Magnet received a state designation, recognized as one of the top 5% of Title I schools in Georgia based on standardized assessments in 2022-2023.

Patterson said the timing of the announcement was unusual, occurring just ahead of important events such as the Georgia Milestones testing and school ceremonies. She said her daughter did not take the news well after explaining it to her.

“With any child, when you’re talking about changing leadership, it can be a lot,” Patterson said. “Everyone is just in shock.”

Parent Nidia Svare, whose daughter also expressed sadness about the non-renewal, said the board should have included parents’ input in its decision-making. She also said the news is causing a “massive disruption” in the school, prompting students to want to leave.

“They are like family up there at the school. The teachers and the principals get along amazingly,” Svare said. “It’s kind of an unusual situation to have both your leadership leave at the same time.”

When asked to confirm the decision and why it was made, Bibb County Schools directed The Telegraph to its YouTube platform, where video of the vote is available.

Both Patterson and Svare expressed frustration about the district’s lack of explanation for the non-renewal, complicating their abilities to explain the situation to their children.

In search of answers, Alexander II parents and other community members are currently planning to attend the board’s upcoming meeting on March 20, according to several posts shared on social media.

“I would just like to see more transparency from the district about why the decision was made and what’s next for the school,” said Patterson, who also plans to attend the meeting.

Svare, who serves as chairperson for the Teacher Appreciation Committee on the Alexander II Parent Teacher Association, said she has witnessed the principals genuinely care for the children.

“I’m hoping that the board of education listens to us parents and understands that this may not affect the board, but it affects us as parents, our children and their futures,” Svare said.

Woodard was appointed principal of Alexander II Magnet in 2023, and Byrd was appointed assistant principal in 2021.

This story was originally published February 27, 2025 at 1:20 PM.