Bibb County School District officials on Thursday presented what they described as a shift from “traditional to transformational” learning, outlining district efforts to expand college- and career-ready pathways from elementary school through graduation.

"The office of district effectiveness and federal programs presents a new era from traditional to transformational," said Dr. Tracy Muff, executive director of supplemental services, describing four pillars the district will use to support students: college and career readiness, 21st-century community learning centers, dual enrollment and GEAR UP. "Together these pillars guide students from elementary school through graduation, ensuring they have the skills and confidence to thrive," she said.

Presenters highlighted several concrete programs and numbers. Dr. Shirley McClendon, director of before- and after-school programs, said the district secured $4,400,000 in federal 21st Century Community Learning Center funding to expand after-school and summer programming, which she said serves students at 33 school sites and supports family engagement events. A presenter said the total number of dual-enrollment courses taken by high school students this fall is 1,544; staff estimated about 500 students are currently participating in dual enrollment.

Jared Moore, director of GEAR UP, described the federally funded seven‑year grant and said it aims to prepare middle-school cohorts for postsecondary success: "That means they will have completed 60 college credit hours before leaving high school," he said, describing a goal for some students to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree by graduation.

Board members asked staff to make the district’s progress and gaps easier to read. "I think it would help me... to have a third column to show what the gap is," said Mister Morton during Q&A after the presentation. District staff agreed to provide clearer gap figures in future reports and stressed literacy as a continued area of focus.

The presentation is part of the district’s strategic goal to improve student achievement and will return to the board with follow-up data and implementation details.