Official: Macon Charter Academy made 'tremendous progress' but has 'ways to go'

Board members for Macon Charter Academy discussed updates about the school's probationary status at a board meeting Tuesday night.

Principal Ron Boykins presented the board with a progress report on the school's enrollment, budget, academics and operations.

"We are in good standing thus far with the progress that we've made," said board chair Lonnicia Maxwell.

Last month, state education officials placed MCA on probation following a report in The Telegraph, which highlighted serious concerns from teachers and parents over the school's overall operations.

MCA's leadership was required to submit an improvement plan earlier this month to the Bibb County school district and the Georgia Department of Education. Since submitting its plan, MCA has begun collaborating with the Georgia Charter Schools Association to help correct its deficiencies.

In anticipation of visits from the Bibb school district and state DOE officials, Boykins said they were focused on the areas listed in corrected action as well as the instructional items listed as lesser concerns.

Louis Erste, an associate state superintendent responsible for charter schools, told The Telegraph he would have an assessment of the school's plan later this week.

"I just left MCA a bit ago," Erste told The Telegraph in an email Tuesday afternoon. "They've made tremendous progress and have a ways to go. Their partnership with GCSA will help them finish the remaining work they have."

To contact writer David Schick call 744-4382 or follow him on Twitter@davidcschick

This story was originally published October 20, 2015 at 8:37 PM with the headline "Official: Macon Charter Academy made 'tremendous progress' but has 'ways to go' ."