Richmond County's school "rightsizing" could drastically alter where children attend classes, make the school system more efficient and provide more academic opportunities.

Such proposed changes came out of school board members' retreat Friday.

No decisions were made, but Superintendent Dana Bedden expressed an interest in rezoning all county schools and establishing specialized academies that would reduce travel to magnet schools and provide greater opportunities to more students.

Current school zonings are outdated and at times appear to make little sense, Dr. Bedden told board members. For example, four middle schools feed into Cross Creek High School and about a dozen elementary schools feed into those middle schools.

A "school-to-school feeder system" would allow children to stay together as they move to middle and high school, but it would also save money on transportation and allow principals and teachers between schools to work together.

Some neighborhoods have all of their children going to one school, while only a couple go somewhere else, said Bill Montgomery, a board consultant.

Warren Road Elementary is the only school in the county in which all of the children move on to the same middle and high school.

Systemwide rezoning would require public hearings and the blessing of the federal courts under the system's desegregation order. If the proposal is accepted, rezonings would probably occur in phases, board members said.

"It's going to be hell," longtime board member Marion Barnes said of any large-scale rezoning.

But the board must make tough choices, Dr. Bedden said.

"We're going to get pushback because people like what they like, and I think in the big picture if we're talking about being educationally sound and fiscally responsible, there may have to be some tough choices where you hold the line," he said.

Dr. Bedden also tossed out other ideas for enhancing schools:

- Create a south Richmond County International Baccalaureate program.

- Expand the IB program at the Academy of Richmond County so the whole school is a magnet while expanding Advanced Placement offerings at all schools.

- Add an IB program at Tutt Middle School.

- Establish an academy within a school with an emphasis on the field of public safety in south Richmond County.

- Expand the health science professions at A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet High School to Lucy C. Laney High School across the street. - Add a performing arts emphasis to Warren Road Elementary School, Cross Creek High School and Pine Hills Middle School, which is under construction.

- Give Lake Forest Hills Elementary School and a south Richmond County school an emphasis on foreign language.

All of the ideas depend on whether funding is available to implement them, the superintendent said.

One aspect of rightsizing that has already begun is turning Tubman Middle School into an "education center" for alternative learning.

The board discussed moving Bungalow Road Alternative School and the evening school to Tubman while phasing out traditional learning at the school. The board could then close the Bungalow Road school.

The board will continue to discuss these proposals. Before taking final action, it will hold public hearings.

Reach Greg Gelpi at (706) 828-3851 or greg.gelpi@augustachronicle.com.