Students help present academic progress at Bibb Schools’ State of the District

District leaders say graduation rates continue to climb, but chronic absenteeism remains a key focus.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Students helped lead Bibb County School’s  annual State of the District Friday, walking the audience through academic progress and school achievements.

From elementary schools to high schools, students highlighted gains in areas like content mastery, student growth and readiness.

Graduation rates were one of the biggest takeaways. The district’s overall graduation rate reached 88.97 percent, which is higher than the state average for the third year in a row.

Bibb County Superintendent Dr. Dan A. Sims says the event was about confirming the district’s progress.

“Today was not about giving a promise in the future; it was confirming the promise is already in place,” he said. “And I want people to walk away with knowing that what has happened, what is happening, and what will continue to happen will be great for our students if they only show up, and if this community gets fully behind us.”

Instead of a traditional PowerPoint, Bibb County Superintendent Dr. Dan Sims shared the district’s progress through a story, tying it back to this year’s theme, “We Are the Promise.”

But he says continued success depends on one ongoing challenge.

“Chronic absenteeism will continue to be on the table until we solve it, because based on everything I showed today and so much more I didn’t have time to show, that’s the reason why we need students in these classrooms every single day, because their lives will take off just by being in school on a consistent basis,” he said.

Rutland High student Addison Colbert says being supported within the school district has made a big difference for her academic career.

“It felt like carrying on a legacy,” she said. “Both of my parents were part of this school district, and my mom was actually the secretary at her high school. With me being the secretary and being able to do events like this, it makes me really happy. And I feel very proud that I can represent my school and just myself as a person.”

District leaders say keeping students engaged, in classrooms and supported by the community remains key to keeping the district moving forward.