Macon education leaders reassign beloved Alexander II principals to other schools
The Bibb County Board of Education approved various personnel changes Thursday evening for school district employees, including the next steps for two Alexander II Magnet School leaders who didn’t have their current positions renewed.
Alexander II Principal Angel Woodard and Assistant Principal Meredith Boyd have been reassigned leadership roles for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year. Woodard will serve as principal of Union Elementary, and Byrd will serve as the assistant principal of Rosa Taylor Elementary, according to the district’s Board Brief newsletter.
The district did not specify who would replace Woodard and Byrd’s roles at Alexander II.
The decision follows a weeks-long protest of Alexander II parents fighting for the retention of the school’s principals after the board voted against renewing their contracts last month.
Before going into executive session, the board heard public comments Thursday evening from several community members who expressed support of Woodard and Boyd. Parents already had planned nearly a month ago to attend the meeting and show support.
Members of the Alexander II school community approached the board in search of answers regarding its decision on the non-renewed contracts, once again calling for transparency and reconsideration on the matter.
Jennifer Bridges, an Alexander II teacher, started off the string of comments by presenting data to the board that highlighted the school’s high-ranking academic performance in the state and county. Bridges’ comments alluded to parents’ previously reported confusion about why the principals have to leave since test scores are in good standing.
“Numbers do not lie, just like good people do not lie. They want to do good things and create good schools. We are here, and we will get in trouble, good trouble, necessary trouble,” Bridges said, earning loud applause from the audience.
Parent Jessica Vance questioned the board’s motives regarding its decision to remove both administrators from a “top-rated school.” Vance noted that Woodard and Byrd are deeply respected by students and staff.
“Removing two respective leaders without explanation undermines trust in this board. Is this the kind of decision-making we should expect in the future?” Vance said at the meeting.
Byrd and Woodard’s names did not specifically appear on the meeting’s agenda, though the board’s consent agenda listed various action items regarding personnel matters.