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Parents Still Searching for Answers to 'Macon Miracle'

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - Bibb County parents are searching for answers, and they're still not getting any. Across the district, today, principals held meetings to help clear up questions surrounding Superintendent Dr. Romain Dallemand's strategic plan.

"The frustrating part is that people aren't listening," says Bibb County dad, Andy Wilson.

Line by line, Dr. Amy Duke, walked parents through the "Macon Miracle." After more than two hours, they were left filling in a lot of the blanks on their own. "I love Dr. Duke but over and over again she said I don't know," says Wilson.

Many Springdale parents call the "Macon Miracle" an outline. They're frustrated by the wording of the plan, and they say a lack of details surrounding funding and implementation fuels their concern.

"As it is now, there is just not enough concrete information for me," says Bibb County mom, Shawn Dooley.

Heritage Principal, Donna Jackson, describes the plan as a road map for the superintendent to use to direct the school system. More than once, Jackson encouraged parents to write down their feedback.

"I don't agree with most of it," says Kelli Hartsfield.

The single mother isn't convinced her voice will be heard.

"It's basically like it's out there and it's going to happen, regardless of our thoughts or actions."

Other parents say some positives in the plan include keeping the school district competitive in the business world by teaching Mandarin Chinese, and adding technology in the classroom.

"I think there's parts of this plan that should be adopted. I think there's parts of this plan that should be amended. I think there's parts of this plan that should be trashed," says James Faulk, Bibb County parent.

A big issue for parents at Springdale was the restructuring of the grades. Many don't want their fourth graders in the same school as teenagers.

Dr. Dallemand says he plans to address this issue along with class size, year round schooling, and potential school closings in his blog in the days ahead. He did not say when the board will make a decision on the plan.

Click here for a direct link to Dr. Dallemand's blog.