Bibb County School District pauses consolidation plans, starts new review process

The district says it will not bring a consolidation recommendation to the school board at this time and will instead launch a new advisory committee process.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Bibb County School District is pausing consideration of three school consolidation scenarios presented last month and will not make a consolidation recommendation to the Board of Education at this time.

The district announced Friday that it plans to launch a new advisory committee process as it continues exploring possible school consolidation.

The move comes about a month after board members pushed back against three options presented during an August 10 meeting. Two of those options called for closing Sonny Carter Elementary School, with one also proposing the closure of Hartley Elementary School. A separate proposal called for discontinuing VIP Academy.

Board members took no action on the proposals that night.

The district says the new advisory committee will include Board of Education members, district leaders and consultants. The group will determine evaluation criteria, review data and community feedback, consider multiple perspectives and help guide the development of any future consolidation options.

“The purpose of this new approach is to ensure that the process remains data-informed, transparent and community-centered,” Superintendent Dr. Dan A. Sims said. “Any future recommendations will be shaped through additional review, thoughtful discussion and continued engagement with the school communities most directly impacted.”

The consolidation study stems from the board’s approval of the fiscal year 2027 budget in June. According to the district, that vote included a mandate to study consolidating or closing at least two elementary schools.

The district brought in consulting firm HPM Leadership to analyze enrollment trends, school utilization, attendance zones and possible consolidation opportunities.

During the August 10 meeting, Board President Daryl Morton said he would not support the options presented.

“You can go through whatever town halls you want to go through, I am not voting for this,” Morton said.

The district says details about the new committee’s structure and membership are still being developed.

Community members will also have future opportunities to provide input and ask questions, according to the district.