Bibb School Board approves new principals, hears school consolidation update amid parent protests
The decision comes after the board voted last month against renewing the contracts of Principal Angel Woodard and Assistant Principal Dr. Meredith Byrd at Alexander II, a top-ranked school in the county.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Bibb County Board of Education approved multiple personnel changes Thursday, including new leadership assignments for Alexander II Magnet School administrators, following weeks of protests from parents.
The decision comes after the board voted last month against renewing the contracts of Principal Angel Woodard and Assistant Principal Dr. Meredith Byrd at Alexander II, a top-ranked school in the county.
Although the agenda did not list Woodard and Byrd by name, multiple people spoke in support of them during public comments at Thursday’s meeting.
“We haven’t gotten any answers from the board,” parent Sean Bewick said at a protest earlier this month. “It’s clear that the administration doesn’t want to leave. The superintendent didn’t want the administration to leave. The teachers don’t want the administration to leave. And the parents and the students love them too. So, who is making this decision, and why?”
According to the district’s Board Brief newsletter, Woodard has been reassigned to Union Elementary as principal, and Byrd has been reassigned as assistant principal at Taylor Elementary.
Parents demand transparency
Parents said last month they were blindsided by the leadership change.
“The Board of Education failed to communicate any information,” PTA president Rocio Garcia said.
Jessica Vance, another parent, said she is frustrated by the lack of public explanation.
“Without that, I’m just thinking there might be some sort of corruption if they won’t come out and say what it is,” she said.
Woodard informed parents of her departure in a letter last month, writing that she and Byrd “will not be returning to Alexander II Magnet School for the 2025-2026 school year.”
“Dr. Byrd and I have witnessed our Einsteins grow in their leadership abilities with Leader in Me, experience the magic and wonder of math and science as part of our state-certified STEM school curriculum, and blossom under the encouragement and passion shared by our dedicated teachers and staff,” she wrote.
41NBC reporter Fiona King previously reached out to the district for comment. The district stated it cannot discuss personnel matters.
Board approves other personnel changes
Along with the Alexander II leadership moves, the board approved additional personnel changes across the district. According to the Board Brief, the following administrative appointments were made:
- Sally Moody was appointed principal of VIP Academy.
- Dr. LaQuonta Williams-Smith was appointed principal of Appling Middle School.
- Dr. Eric Thompson was appointed assistant principal of VIP Academy.
Board reviews school consolidation process
The board also received an update Thursday on the district’s ongoing school consolidation review, a process examining potential school closures or reconfigurations.
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Katika Lovett and Thelron Pleas of consulting firm Towering Your Success presented data and community feedback on possible financial impacts.
Board members will next review financial scenarios before making any decisions. The district has encouraged community members to provide feedback, with updates available at bcsdk12.net. Read more about the process here. Thursday’s full presentation is available on YouTube.
