Expanding Opportunities, Strengthening Communities, and Supporting Student Growth

When students are connected to meaningful activities — clubs, sports, arts, service organizations, competitions, and mentoring programs — everything improves. Attendance, behavior, confidence, and academic performance all rise. Extracurriculars are not “extra.” They are essential.

As a board member, I will advocate for policies that strengthen extracurricular opportunities and deepen partnerships between BCSD and the wider community.

Why Extracurriculars Matter

For many students, extracurricular programs are where they discover passions, form friendships, build leadership skills, and stay engaged with school. These activities help children grow into confident young adults.

But right now, many of these opportunities are underutilized or unevenly available. At the same time, Macon-Bibb is full of civic groups, nonprofits, faith communities, and volunteers who want to help — they just don’t always know how to connect.

Bringing these pieces together creates a stronger, healthier school system for everyone.

What I Will Advocate For

1. Stronger Partnerships With Civic and Youth Organizations

I will support policies that encourage BCSD to actively partner with groups such as:

• 4-H
• Scouts
• Robotics clubs and STEM groups
• Performing and visual arts organizations
• Sports and athletic associations
• Mentoring and service-based nonprofits
• Safe and structured youth shooting sports programs
• Colleges, technical schools, and community education programs

Many organizations want to help support students — they just need clear pathways to connect. I will advocate for a district posture that welcomes collaboration.

2. A Culture That Encourages Volunteerism

Volunteer involvement shouldn’t be limited to PTA roles or one-time events.
I will advocate for policy direction that promotes:

• Expanded volunteer roles across departments (IT, maintenance, safety, libraries, tutoring, etc.)
• A streamlined volunteer process that makes returning year after year easier
• Clear communication so community members without children in the district know how to get involved
• Structures that allow organizations to adopt schools, sponsor programs, or provide mentorship

A strong volunteer culture lightens the load on staff and strengthens ties between schools and communities.

3. Increasing Awareness and Visibility of Student Opportunities

Students can’t join programs they don’t know exist.
I will promote policies encouraging the district to improve how extracurricular opportunities are communicated through:

• Clear, centralized listings of clubs, teams, and programs
• Promotion of new or underrepresented activities
• Outreach to families during enrollment and orientation
• Partnerships with media, civic groups, and local organizations

Extracurriculars should be celebrated and easy to find — not scattered or hidden.

4. Encouraging Responsible Expansion Through Donations and Community Support

I will support policies that help BCSD build safe, transparent pathways for donations, sponsorships, and community partnerships that supplement — not replace — district resources. When handled properly and openly, community support can expand opportunities without burdening taxpayers.

Macon-Bibb has many generous individuals and organizations who want to help. Policy should make that easier, not harder.

What This Is Not

Supporting extracurriculars does not mean board members run programs or override principals.
It means setting expectations that:

• Programs should be accessible
• Partnerships should be encouraged
• Communication should be clear
• Volunteerism should be supported
• Community engagement should be treated as a strength

Implementation remains the superintendent’s responsibility.

My Commitment

If elected, I will consistently advocate for:

• Expanding opportunities that keep students engaged and inspired
• Strengthening partnerships that connect schools to the community
• Reducing barriers for volunteers and civic groups
• Making extracurricular options easy to find and easy to join
• Ensuring every student has a chance to participate in something meaningful

Extracurriculars are where many young people discover who they can become.

The Bottom Line

A thriving school system is one that invites its community in.
By valuing extracurricular programs and building stronger community partnerships, we can improve student outcomes, strengthen neighborhoods, and give every child in Bibb County more opportunities to grow, compete, and succeed.

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