Bibb County Superintendent Announces Changes for Fifth Grade Placement and Car Rider Line Improvements
By Savannah Logan
Bibb County Superintendent Kevin Cotner has announced a significant shift in the school system’s structure, moving fifth-grade students back to West Blocton Elementary School (WBES) and Woodstock Elementary School (WES). The decision, explained by Cotner, addresses academic, emotional, and logistical challenges associated with fifth graders attending middle schools.
“Throughout the years with fifth grade in the middle schools, it has become more apparent that the transition to the middle school setting is difficult for students,” Cotner said. “State test scores for fifth graders tend to see a sharp decline, coupled with the emotional struggles middle school often presents.”
Cotner also highlighted the impact of the newly adopted Numeracy Act, which spans kindergarten through fifth grade. Splitting a math coach between schools for just one grade has created complications. “Centreville Middle School (CMS) has its own dedicated math coach, but West Blocton Middle School (WBMS) does not,” he noted.
Another factor influencing the decision is the opportunity to add assistant principals at WBES and WES. “The student population requirement to gain an assistant principal has decreased to 300 students,” Cotner explained. “Currently, these elementary schools have around 260 students with kindergarten through fourth grade. Adding fifth grade will bring them closer to the threshold for an additional administrator, which is critical because administrators are often pulled for meetings, leaving schools without leadership on-site.”
While this change will be implemented at WES and WBES, the same adjustment cannot be made at Brent Elementary School (BES) due to its current size. “BES already has over 600 students. Adding another 120 students back would create more of a burden, whereas we are only adding around 50 students to WES and WBES,” Cotner said.
In addition to the grade-level restructuring, Cotner provided an update on the ongoing efforts to address traffic congestion at BES. “The car rider line has been an issue, causing significant congestion on McMillan Street,” he said. “The Board has approved a bid, and we are currently in the paperwork process with the State and ALDOT for permits to begin the project. The new car rider access road is designed to hold 100 cars, with entry and exit points on Main Street.”
These changes aim to improve the educational environment for students and address longstanding logistical challenges, demonstrating the school system’s commitment to enhancing both academic outcomes and community infrastructure.
