Brooks' Brief for March

Special Blog Post by Superintendent Dr. Kristina Brooks

Community Update: Strategic District Realignment & Athletic Improvements

Midway Hills School Configuration Update

As part of our commitment to fiscal responsibility and student success, the district is moving forward with a recommendation to the Board of Education members for approval of a strategic realignment of the Midway Hills school zone. Several key changes are planned to streamline operations and enhance educational resources:

Consolidated K-5 Campus: Midway Hills Primary (currently K-2) and Midway Hills Academy (currently 3-5) will merge to form a single K-5 school housed at the Midway Hills Academy facility. This move eliminates the mid-elementary transition for students and simplifies logistics for parents.

Repurposing Midway Hills Primary: The current Primary building on Blandy Road will be transformed into the Baldwin Success Academy. This facility will serve as a specialized hub for:

• Alternative school students (returning from virtual to face-to-face instruction).

  
  

• Fifth-year seniors and 8th graders requiring credit assistance.

  
  

• Students receiving therapeutic and behavioral support services.

  
  

• Equitable Resource Distribution: The realignment allows for a more efficient distribution of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) services. Previously limited to the Lakeview zone, these critical resources will now be available directly at both the Lakeview and Midway campuses.

  
  

• Efficiency & Savings: By maximizing building capacity (addressing current utilization rates of 38–48%), the district anticipates saving over $250,000 in annual transportation and nearly $400,000 in other operational costs. These funds will be reinvested into direct classroom instruction and student support.

Project Spotlight: OHMS Athletic Complex

We are excited to share that a formal recommendation for approval to the BOE on the Oak Hill Middle School (OHMS) Athletic Complex project will be made at the March meeting. This development is part of our broader initiative to provide premier athletic facilities that match the caliber of our student-athletes.

Key Features of the Project Include:

• New Competition Fields: Construction of a high-quality Baseball and Softball Complex specifically designed for middle school competition.

  
  

• Enhanced Spectator Experience: The project includes the installation of new grandstands, a modern press box, and upgraded concession facilities to better serve our families and fans.

  
  

• Facility Improvements: Upgrades to field lighting and storm drainage systems to ensure a safe, all-weather playing environment.

  
  

• Funding & Timeline: This project is fueled by E-SPLOST funds, the one-penny sales tax approved by Baldwin County voters. This investment ensures that our middle school athletes have access to the same high-standard facilities recently introduced at the high school level.

  
  

• For more detailed project specs and site plans, you can view the official project document HERE.

  
  

Celebrating Literacy: Read Across America

The district recently buzzed with excitement as we celebrated Read Across America, a nationwide initiative designed to foster a lifelong love of reading. Our schools were filled with guest readers, creative costumes, and, most importantly, the magic of storytelling.

Local Talent at the ELC

A highlight of the week took place at the Early Learning Center (ELC), which saw an incredible outpouring of support from community volunteers. We were especially honored to welcome Milledgeville’s very own local author, KeShawn Harris.

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Harris spent time with our youngest learners, sharing a special reading of his published book, Robbie’s First Haircut. The story, which focuses on overcoming the "big milestone" jitters of a first trip to the barbershop, resonated deeply with the students. Having a local author share their work in person provides a powerful example for our students that they, too, can become the authors and creators of tomorrow.

Seeing our community leaders and local creators like Mr. Harris engage with our students reinforces that reading isn't just a school subject, it's a gateway to connection and community.