Macon parents protest, call for answers on Alexander II school leadership decision
A small but vocal group of parents and community members gathered outside the Bibb County Board of Education building Friday morning to peacefully protest the unexpected termination of two highly regarded principals at Alexander II Math and Science Magnet School.
With signs reading “Alexander II Admin Is Essential” and “Our Families Want Answers,” the protesters called for the school district to provide more explanation on why the principal and assistant principal at Alexander II did not have their contracts renewed. The protest started at 11 a.m., with some attendees sacrificing their lunch hours to be there.
“It’s not an ideal time frame, but we want to make sure that the board knows we’re not happy so we have to do this during their working hours,” said parent Jessica Vance. “We would like the board to understand our displeasure with their lack of transparency.”
Two weeks ago, the Bibb County Board of Education voted 6-2 to deny contract renewals for Alexander II Principal Angel Woodard and Assistant Principal Meredith Byrd for the 2025-2026 academic year. Both school leaders will maintain their positions until this school year ends.
The decision was against BCSD Superintendent Dan Sims’ recommendation to retain the administrators.
“I can’t comprehend the board’s decision, and none of them will say anything about it,” Vance said. “As parents, we were very surprised that this was even an option because our school has done exceptionally well academically. It feels like something’s off and wrong about all of this.”
A lack of formal explanation from the board has sparked growing anxiety about the future of Alexander II, which is known for its strong reputation and nurturing student environment, according to school community members.
Vance noted that the elementary school has recently gone through a leadership change, leading parents to worry about the impact of losing both current school leaders.
“Principal Woodard has only been here for two years, and to just switch that up again is such a short time duration,” she said.
“I don’t want to see the school fall apart. I’ve heard that some teachers will leave due to this,” Vance added, highlighting how it could impact ongoing teacher shortages. “We’re also up for STEM certification, which we’ve worked very hard for.”
Alexander II parents have also started an online petition this week, which has nearly 450 signatures of relevant stakeholders advocating for Woodard and Byrd.
“Both Mrs. Woodard and Dr. Byrd both have impeccable and spotless GA teaching certificates through (the Georgia Professional Standards Commission), with no ethic status violations,” the petition says. “We can only speculate, and unfortunately, that leaves us with the conclusion that there may have been a conflict of interest when voting.”
As the protest plans to bleed into the board’s upcoming meeting, parents said they are vowing to keep the pressure on the district until they get more information.
Parent Sean Bewick said he is also protesting because the board has remained silent on the issue, leaving everyone without the answers they are desperately seeking.
“We’re not being told the real motive and reason behind the decision, and if there is one, why aren’t they telling us?” Bewick said. “What other motivations could there be?”
Bibb County Schools have previously told The Telegraph that it cannot openly discuss personnel concerns.
Bewick said he and other parents are calling for the board to listen to their concerns, reconsider its decision and renew the principals’ contracts.
“It’s frustrating because of the lack of communication and a lack of consideration, even with the way that this was done. From my perspective, it seems to have been intentionally hidden in a way that blindsided parents,” he said.