Bibb County School District kicks off new year with call for literacy and attendance gains
District celebrates convocation, names Teacher of the Year ahead of Aug. 4 start
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bibb County School District kicked off the 2025-2026 school year with its annual convocation Thursday morning at the Macon Coliseum. The event brought together teachers, staff, and district leaders to share goals and recognize achievements before the first day of school.
Superintendent Dr. Dan A. Sims addressed the crowd, outlining his top priorities for the year — improving student literacy and attendance. He says he’s aiming to “move this entire community in the space of literacy and attendance.”
“We are taking an all-hands-on-deck approach. We want every single student reading on or above grade level and implementing measures in their space to support that effort,” Sims said.
During the convocation, the district named Stuart Hardy, an executive chef at W.S. Hutchings College and Career Academy, as the Bibb County Teacher of the Year.
“We started a student LIVE enterprise, we run a restaurant, we have a food truck, we have catering,” Hardy said. “We stand out because we have a track record of students that have demonstrated that what we are teaching them comes to practice and fruition.”
Howard Middle School teacher Sarah Burzo, a former Teacher of the Year, also shared her passion for education.
“I want to be the teacher that I want my future kids to have,” Burzo said. “Loving every student regardless of who they are, their background, no matter how they learn, they are welcome at a table and are welcome at a seat in my classroom.”
Dr. Sims is sending students encouraging words and positive vibes as they head back to class.
“We have been waiting for this day and this moment,” he said. “We love you and we are just excited to have one more opportunity to love on you and push you to your limits so that you can find out just how awesome you are.”
The first day of school for Bibb County students is Monday, Aug. 4.
