Low Graduation Rate Could Hinder Big Plans for Macon-Bibb’s Future

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – “One Macon! Our Vision, Our Future” steering committee has a strategic plan for Macon- Bibb County’s future.

Wednesday, community leaders gathered at Mercer University to learn what they can do to help create more wealth for all residents.

Civic and business leaders met to get an idea on how to establish a better community, as a whole. But, they were warned about how Macon’s public school system’s low graduation rate would effect them down the road.

“It’s (low gradation rate) unbelievably critical,” says Matthew Tarleton, the senior project manager for Market Street Services. “You cannot sustain a graduation rate like that and expect to build a sustainable workforce.”

Tarleton, told the group about the community’s strengths, and, weaknesses. He says there are key factors a city must have for growth.

“Three pillars of the community identified in this one Macon strategy are quality schools to educate our children,” says Tarleton. “Abundant jobs, to provide upward mobility for our residents and then really vibrant places for people to gather and places people enjoy visiting and living.”

He says, the students in school now are the community’s workforce for tomorrow.

Robert Hatcher a tri-chair of the steering committee says their main goal is to raise the level of wealth for the entire community. Hatcher says, they really want everyone in the community to become more prosperous as a result of their strategic planning.