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Rockdale schools recommend 2026 graduation remain at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church
Summary
District staff recommended the Rockdale County Schools contract with New Birth Missionary Baptist Church as the indoor venue for 2026 graduation, citing a parent-student survey (1,026 responses; 920 in favor), logistics, accessibility and safety; senior fees would fund the venue.
The Rockdale County Schools superintendent's office recommended Sept. 11 that the district hold its 2026 graduation ceremonies at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church on May 29, 2026, citing survey results and indoor-safety considerations.
Kimberly Hunter, from the Office of Accountability and Student School Performance, told the Board that a parent and student survey collected 1,026 responses and that 920 respondents (90%) preferred New Birth over a local school site. Hunter said the district moved the date to May 29 so teachers could attend during a professional learning day and that funding for the venue would come from senior fees.
Parent Jessica Oglesby, who spoke during the public comment period, urged the board to "keep our graduation at New Birth," saying the church had handled prior ceremonies "beautifully" and that indoor ceremonies improved accessibility for family members with limited mobility. Oglesby contrasted that experience with an earlier post-COVID stadium ceremony she described as chaotic and inaccessible.
District staff framed the recommendation around three considerations: logistics (parking and ticket allocation), weather risk and security measures possible in an indoor venue. The board did not take a final vote on the contract at the work session; staff said the item would be presented for approval at the regular board meeting.
If approved, New Birth would host the district's 2026 ceremonies and costs would be paid from senior fees rather than general operating funds. The board asked staff to include the recommendation on the upcoming regular-session agenda for formal action.
