Bibb schools superintendent: Sending students to district home schools among options if Macon Charter Academy closes

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon Charter Academy is working to complete its plan for improvements in the school. The Georgia Department of Education put the school on probation after the Bibb County School District found multiple violations during a visit on September 25. 41NBC’s Alexa Rodriguez spoke with Bibb Schools Superintendent Dr. Curtis Jones to find out what would happen if the school were to close.

“The priority is going to be ensure the students education is not interrupted,” said Dr. Jones.

Dr. Jones said there are three possible options if Macon Charter Academy doesn’t show improvement. Bibb school officials found several areas of concern during their visit to the school.

“They’re pretty severe. If your child was at the school, you’d be concerned and want to know that they’re being addressed. I think a charter school’s main focus is giving more parental involvement and the school has to respond to that,” explained Dr. Jones.

If the school doesn’t meet the district and state’s standards when progress is reviewed, the school could stay on probation while Bibb County school officials continue to work with MCA.

“I say that first because it’s our hope that they’re either going to come off probation or we’d just be able to give them an extension so they can continue to improve,” said Dr. Jones.

If the state decides to close MCA, the district may choose to leave the students in that building.

“Maybe we would take over the school. Maybe a new organization would come and assume the charter,” explained Dr. Jones.

The school system’s last resort is to close MCA and send the students to their home schools in the district.

“I would say it’s possible, but I can’t put a percentage to it,” said Dr. Jones.

Dr. Jones added although the list of improvements is long, it’s possible for the school to show progress.

“I’d like to see the school be successful. I would like to see the students who have asked to be there be able to continue and for this to be a successful year. I want it to work,” explained Dr. Jones.

Dr. Jones said MCA is working with a charter association on the improvement plan. The district, the state, and MCA will evaluate progress within the next month.

41NBC reached out to MCA for comment. We have not heard back yet.