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Board hears instructional-services presentation: dual enrollment, after-school grants and GEAR UP goals
Summary
District instructional leaders presented a 'new era' strategy that highlighted dual-enrollment expansion, $4.4M in 21st Century after-school funding serving 2,400+ students, and a federal GEAR UP grant aimed at enabling students to earn associate degrees by high-school graduation.
Bibb County instructional leaders told the board they are re-aligning programming to prepare students for college and career through dual enrollment, expanded after-school programming and federal investments.
Doctor Tracy Muff, executive director of supplemental services, framed the district’s approach as four connected pillars — college and career readiness, 21st Century Community Learning Centers, dual enrollment and GEAR UP — that support district Strategic Goal 1 (student achievement). She said the district’s work is designed to guide students from elementary school through graduation with industry-aligned experiences and supports.
Doctor Shirley McClendon, director of before- and after-school programs, said the district secured $4,400,000 in Nita M. Lowey 21st Century funding for after-school and summer programs this year, serving more than 2,400 students across 33 school sites and hosting more than 132 family events. "This year, the district secured $4,400,000 in funding to provide high quality after school and summer programs," she said.
Doctor Cassandra Washington, executive director of CTAE and CEO of Hutchings College and Career Academy, described CTAE expansions and dual-enrollment opportunities. She reported that the total number of dual-enrollment courses taken by high-school students this fall is 1,544 and said roughly 500 students are currently participating in dual enrollment (about 525 last year). She emphasized partnerships with local colleges and national networks to expand access.
Mister Jared Moore, director of GEAR UP, said the federally funded seven-year grant (in year two) targets sustained academic support for the classes of 2030 and 2031, with an aspirational model that enables students to earn an associate degree (60 college credit hours) in addition to a high-school diploma.
Board members asked for clarifying data — including a request for a column showing the numeric gap between district and state Milestones results — and thanked staff for connecting programming with measurable objectives.
What’s next: staff will continue rolling program updates into board briefings and the district plans continued family-engagement events and dual-enrollment expansion.
