Bibb County superintendent urges community support as schools reopen

Dr. Dan Sims, superintendent of the Bibb County School District, told Makin' Bibb hosts that the first days of school have brought energy to classrooms across Macon and that his top priority this year is to "shepherd this district" and protect students' wellbeing.

"This is my 32nd first week of school," Dr. Sims said, adding that he has visited dozens of campuses in the opening days. He described school visits as a chance to see instruction, greet custodians and nutrition staff and evaluate enrollment and needs across 38 schools and programs in the district.

Sims outlined concrete district capacity figures, saying the district operates 22 elementary schools, six middle schools, six high schools and additional programs including virtual instruction, SOAR Academy, Hutchings College and Career Academy and an Innovation and Technology Academy. "My goal is always in the first two weeks to love on and visit everybody's space," he said.

The superintendent also stressed the role of the broader community and local partnerships — including nonprofit and industry collaborators — in supporting students. He recommended two practical paths for community members to help: donate to the Bibb County Education Foundation or contact the district's director of partnerships to offer support.

Sims closed with a request to parents to be involved and to prioritize attendance. "Let them be at school every single day because any day that a child misses, they're missing something incredible," he said. He framed these steps as part of a practical, day-to-day commitment to student success.