The Georgia Department of Education recently accepted Bibb County School District into the 2022-2023 Economic Development Partnership Designation program. The EDP is a districtwide certification process that prepares school districts to adopt best practices and behaviors that support economic development, strengthen their programs, and align education with key regional industries. “We are excited to be a part of the EDP program and all that designation entails,” said Dr. Lori Rodgers, Assistant Superintendent of District Effectiveness and Federal Programs. “Connections with local industry partners have always been important to us, and this program will only help strengthen those connections.”

Deputy Superintendent of Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education Dr. Barbara Wall is excited about this year’s EDP program. “The Economic Development Partnership designation supports a school district’s ability to contribute effectively to their local and regional workforce development efforts. Developing a strong relationship between education, business and industry, and economic development stakeholders ensures that our CTAE programs continue to deliver real opportunities and rewarding careers, workforce ready skills, and a real high school experience.

In return, our pathways deliver for business and industry and economic development by growing and sustaining the future talent pipeline of the communities they serve. I am very proud of the districts that applied and have been accepted into the program for this year. Our team looks forward to working alongside the school district on their journey to achieve the EDP.” The Bibb County School District CTAE staff, led by Executive Director Dr. Cassandra Washington, will partner with business, industry and economic development stakeholders to work towards achieving the EDP designation. To achieve the EDP designation, districts must meet required elements that include a focus on business and industry partnerships, strength of local CTAE program offerings, and the school district’s economic development related activities. Dr. Dan A. Sims Dr. Thelma D. Dillard Superintendent of Schools Board President '

Each student will demonstrate strength of character and will be college or career ready. Mission: The Bibb County School District develops a highly trained staff and an engaged community dedicated to educating each student for a 21st century global society. “Two of Macon-Bibb County’s goals are to support economic development and to improve education and workforce development, and I want to applaud the Bibb County School District for stepping forward to work with our existing industry to align their programs to what our community needs,” said MaconBibb County Mayor Lester M. Miller.

“This is an amazing step forward that will provide our children with great jobs and futures, support our existing industry partners, and help us attract new industries here.” The Bibb County School District will work with representatives from the Georgia Department of Education throughout the next fiscal year on their journey to achieve the EDP. Districts who earn the EDP designation will be announced next summer. “MBCIA is excited for Bibb County School District’s acceptance into the Economic Development Partnership Designation program,” said Stephen Adams, Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority Executive Director.

“The EDP program will allow us to work with the school district to strategically partner with existing industries and help strengthen relationships between industry and the next generation of workforce.” “As a W.S. Hutchings College and Career Academy Governance Committee member and an advocate for well over 800 businesses, and their 50,000+ employees, the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce continues to seek opportunities that align educational outcomes with the employee demands of key regional businesses,” said Ron Shipman, Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce Interim President and CEO.

“The EDP designation actively evaluates the capability of the Bibb County School District in contributing to our local and regional workforce development needs and efforts. Understanding these relationships ensures that collectively we deliver real opportunities and careers while developing a talent pipeline for our communities well into the future.”