Bibb administrators say the district needs assistant principals

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Bibb County school board members are debating the need for assistant principals in elementary schools. They were recently added back into the school’s budget. One principal in the district tells 41NBC, he couldn’t imagine doing his job without his assistant principal.

“We strive everyday to make sure that our environment is rigorous for our students to prepare them for the next level,” explained Chad Thompson, the Principal of Bernd Elementary School.

He and his assistant principal, Tawanya Wilson, are quite the team. Since some of their duties overlap, they count on each other to make it through the day.

“We have to have an orderly process and she helps tremendously with that,” said Thompson.

“Help the teachers with instruction, classroom management strategies, discipline,” furthered Assistant Principal Tawanya Wilson.

Thompson wasn’t sure what he would do next year without his partner.

“I did not want to have to even consider doing the job by myself. Curriculum would hurt, assessment would hurt, instruction would hurt,” explained Thompson.

Wilson feels the school would lose the support Thompson needs if the school board cuts her position.

“He has meeting he has to attend to, piles of paperwork which will pull him away from the classrooms more,” explained Wilson.

When the duo heard the district is considering keeping the positions, they were ecstatic.

“Thank you so much! I love my boss,” exclaimed Wilson.

If board members decide to keep these jobs, it will be the second year in a row every school in the district will have a full time AP.

“Stability is important in every school because if you put different staff in every year, it takes away from the student’s trust,” said Wilson.

Thompson and Wilson hope the school board approves the budget proposal so they can continue their teamwork next year.

In order to pay for the nine assistant principals, the board is considering cutting 20 contingency teachers. Those are “fill-in” teachers hired if more students show up that expected next year.

The board will vote on the budget proposal on June 18th.