Bibb Students Will Get More Breaks in 2013-2014 School Year

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Bibb County students will begin the transition to year-round school this fall, using a “blended” calendar that will give them more breaks throughout the year.

The school board approved the change Thursday night.

“The Macon Miracle,” the district’s strategic plan, calls for a change in the school calendar.   The task force charged with making that change presented a “45 days on, 15 days off” calendar to the board in January that was to go in effect for the 2013-14 school year, but several board members said it was too close to next school year to make that change now.

Deputy Superintendent Jane Drennan and Rutland High School principal Jerri Hall presented two new options to board members Thursday night, “Option A” and “Option B.”  Faculty and members of the community both voted on the two online, with “Option A” coming out on top.  “Option A” was recommended to the board for approval.

It called for the “blended” calendar for 2013-14 and a move to the 45/15 look in 2014-15.  “Option B” called for the standard calendar next school year and a move to 45/15 the following year.

Board members still had questions about the 45/15 plan, saying they’d like to hear more information about it before voting to commit to it.

Board member Wanda West motioned to amend the proposal and go forward with “Option A’s” 2013-14 calendar, while waiting to hear more info on a 2014-15 year-round plan, and the motion was unanimously approved.

Students will head back to school on August 8 and will get breaks in October and February, along with keeping spring break and their usual time off for holidays.

Another Change Coming in 2013-2014

In a move that will save almost $3 million over the course of four years, the school board also approved making the switch from a block class schedule to a seven period day.

Under the new schedule, teachers that are currently teaching three classes a day with one planning period will see their number of classes taught daily double to six.

That means some teachers will lose their jobs through the process, leaving those salaries in the district’s fund.  By 2017, the switch is projected to save $2.9 million.