A small downtown tract, from Riverside Drive to Pine Street and from Fifth Street to New Street, grew from nine to 25 youngsters. Greatest losses, from about 30 percent to 40 percent, occurred west of Fifth Street from Pine Street south to Eisenhower Parkway. Neighborhoods west of Interstate 75 and north of Anthony Road also suffered major losses of 30 percent or more. The Ingleside area and communities farther north and west along Riverside Drive and Forsyth Road also had moderate losses of from 10 percent to 20 percent. Opponents of the plan contend the school system is neglecting inner-city schools and favoring county residents.
School administrators say the population growth demands the schools.
Census figures show the surrounding southwest quarter of Bibb County has more than 7,000 youths - nearly 1,000 more than a decade ago. Growth in school-age populations in the three large western and northern census tracks, which include Lizella, Lake Tobesofkee, Lake Wildwood and north Macon, was the largest in Bibb, with more than 2,000 additional youths. The area has an under-18 population of 7,800, according to census data. So what we see in the census tracts is a strong indication that the growth will support the schools. School board President Albert Abrams, one of four members who have said the facilities plan should better prioritize city schools, said the board must pay attention to growth areas.