The Board Brief

The Board Brief newsletter is a summary of the information presented and actions taken at Bibb County Board of Education meetings for Bibb County School District in Macon, Ga. Review meeting agendas, district policies, Board member contact information and more on Simbli at https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/Index.aspx?S=4013.

Personnel Items Approved

Board members approved various personnel items. To view personnel items, click here.

(Note: Some items may be delayed in posting. Return soon for updates.)

2027-28, 2028-29 Academic Calendars Approved

Board members approved the academic calendars for the 2027-28 and 2028-29 school year. To view the calendars, click here.

PILOT Agreement Proposal for Project Anchor Approved

Board members approved a PILOT agreement for Project Anchor, which was brought forward by the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority and Macon-Bibb County Government. The agreement authorized consent to the use of PILOT funding to fund road and traffic improvements, infrastructure, site curing costs and other construction and project costs for the location at Wesleyan Drive and New Forsyth Road. For more information, click here.

General Fund Budget Amendment Approved

Board members approved Budget Amendment #1 for the FY27 General Fund Budget to reflect updated revenue and expenditure information. The amendment includes funding for the reinstatement of salary step increases, additional local revenue generated by maintaining the current millage rate, a new state mental health grant, Tax Anticipation Note expenses, and ongoing rezoning, consolidation, facility, and instructional efficiency studies. To view more information, click here.

Monthly Financial Reports, Statement of Actual Financial Operations Reviewed

Board members reviewed monthly financial reports and the Moderate Risk Designation Monthly Update, which includes the monthly estimated expenditure report. For more information, click here.

Board Members Authorize Credit Card

Board members authorized the use of the Superintendent's credit card following the approval of a new policy regarding the credit card during the meeting. For more information, click here.

WAN & Internet Services Approved

Board members approved the renewal of the District’s contract with Cox Business to provide wide area network (WAN) connectivity and internet services for all schools and facilities. The fiber-optic network connects District sites to the Network Operations Center and supports reliable, high-speed access needed for instruction, operations, and digital learning. To view more information, click here.

Cenergistic Energy Management Services Approved

Board members approved the continuation of energy management services through the District's partnership with Cenergistic. The program helps monitor energy use, identify efficiency opportunities, improve building performance, and manage utility consumption across District facilities. Since partnering with Cenergistic in 2019, the District has achieved significant energy savings while supporting operational efficiency and responsible stewardship of resources. To view more information, click here.

Tennis Court Upgrades Approved

Board members approved a contract for tennis court improvements at Central, Howard, Southwest, Rutland, and Northeast High Schools. The project will refurbish existing court surfaces and upgrade drainage systems, nets, and posts, helping provide safer and improved athletic facilities for student-athletes across the District. To view more information, click here.

GPR Advertisement Requirement – Burdell-Hunt School Construction Manager at Risk

Board members approved a resolution requesting a waiver from the Georgia Department of Education related to advertising requirements for the Burdell-Hunt Magnet Elementary School renovation project. The request stems from an administrative posting error during the procurement process that resulted in the project being advertised for a shorter period than required. District officials noted that contractor participation and bid results were not affected, and additional procedures have been implemented to prevent similar issues in the future. To view more information, click here.

Board Reviews Policies

Board members reviewed various policies for first or second reading. Policies must be read twice before they may be voted on for final action. To review the policies, click here.

• Policy GAMA: Drug-Free Workplace (ACTION - Second Reading)
• Policy GAMB: Possession of Weapons by Employees (ACTION - Second Reading)
• Policy GAN: Employee Tobacco Use (ACTION - Second Reading)
• Policy GCRA(1): Drug Screening of Bus Drivers (ACTION - Second Reading)
• Policy DJEAC: Purchasing or Credit Card Use (Revised Second Reading)
• Policy DCCA: Budget Deadlines (INFORMATION - First Reading)
• Policy DCL: Fund Balance (INFORMATION - First Reading)
• Policy DJC: Payroll Procedure (INFORMATION - First Reading)
• Policy DJCB: Salary Deductions (INFORMATION - First Reading)
• Policy DJD: Expense Reimbursements (INFORMATION - First Reading)

Stakeholders are encouraged to review policies posted after first reading and make public comment via Simbli before the proposed policies are brought back before the Board for action the following month. Simbli may be accessed through the District’s website, www.bcsdk12.net, under “About Us” and “Simbli.” On Simbli, “Pending Policies” will appear on the right side of the screen.

Various monthly reports were included in the Board's agenda for information purposes. To view more information, click here.

Each month during the Board meeting, we present highlights happening within our schools and district.

CELEBRATIONS & APPRECIATION: Thank you to schools and departments throughout the District for bringing recognition and awareness to these events this month:

Hispanic Heritage Month, Principals Month, Bullying Prevention Month, Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Learning Disabilities Awareness Month, School Custodial Worker Appreciation Day, Georgia Pre-K Week, Instructional Coach Appreciation Day, Athletic Coaches Appreciation Day, Walk and Roll to School Day, World Audiologist Day, School Lunch Week, School Bus Drivers Appreciation Day, School Bus Safety Week, Lights On Afterschool, and Red Ribbon Week. And, don’t forget – we will celebrate our Teachers of the Year, along with some very special new employee award recognitions, next Wednesday evening at the Grand Opera House in downtown Macon.

VINEVILLE ACADEMY WELCOMES ROYAL READER: The PANDARRIFIC ceremony of welcoming a Royal Reader returned at Vineville Academy of the Arts with Executive Officer Dr. Nelson Render as the first guest reader this year. Dr. Render shared his incredible musical talents and his love for literacy with our students, inspiring them to read more and pursue their dreams!

HR CONNECTS WITH NEW AND FUTURE TEACHERS: BCSD’s Human Resources team is working to identify and support new and talented educators! Recently, the team visited Middle Georgia State University to talk with music majors about turning their passion for music into a career in education. HR also welcomed our newest employees through orientation, providing information, resources, and one-on-one support to help them get off to a great start. The team also connected Georgia College & State University leaders to Bibb classrooms for a firsthand look at the people, programs, and possibilities that make our schools special. The day was an opportunity to strengthen our partnership, celebrate our principals as instructional leaders, and explore ways to connect future educators with meaningful career opportunities in Bibb.

YOUNG FARMERS TAKE COMPETITION TO FAIR: Our Rutland FFA Dairy Show Team had a successful few days at the Georgia National Fair in Perry. Highlights include students earning top placings in both showmanship and weight classes, and the Rutland team taking 3rd Place in the Herdsman Award. Students were responsible for maintaining an educational display and interacting with fairgoers to teach them about the dairy industry. Additionally, student Daisy Newberry was paired with Senator Steven McNeel for the Legislative Showdown. She had the opportunity to share the importance of agriculture and teach him how to exhibit her dairy heifer in the show ring!

RAIDERS ENJOY PLAYGROUND RENOVATIONS: Burdell-Hunt Magnet School Raiders can now enjoy the newly renovated playground space, get active, and make wonderful memories with their classmates, thanks to ESPLOST funds. Look for more bright and colorful playgrounds like this coming soon throughout the district!

ARTISTS, WRITERS HONORED FOR FIRE SAFETY WEEK: The Macon-Bibb County Fire Department kicked off Fire Prevention Week by celebrating some talented young artists and writers in our community! During its annual Fire Prevention Week Opening Ceremony, the Department recognized local students throughout grades K through 12 who participated in this year’s Fire Prevention Essay and Poster Contests.

NORTHWOODS GYMNASIUM WORK CONTINUES: ICB Construction shared photos of the progress on the Northwoods Academy Gymnasium Addition! Each phase brings us closer to delivering a new space for students and the school community, thanks to the voter-approved ESPLOST!

WILLIAMS FAMILIES ENJOY LITERACY ON THE LAWN: Families at L.H. Williams enjoyed a wonderful day of reading, learning and fun during Literacy on the Lawn. Eagles enjoyed spending quality time with families and engaging in student-led conferences, and families could receive valuable Title I literacy resources. The day was all about strengthening the connection between home and school.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS JOIN WALK TO SCHOOL: District and community partners showed up for Walk with Me to Ballard-Hudson Middle School as part of Attendance Awareness Month activities. They met students at key points in the community and joined students for conversation and fellowship as they walked to school.

SOUTHFIELD CELEBRATES SUCCESSES: State School Superintendent Richard Woods visited Southfield Elementary to celebrate the school as a recipient of the John Hancock Banner and Proficiency Ribbon. Southfield received this honor because more than 90 percent of last year's third and fourth grade students could write their name in cursive. Additionally, Superintendent Woods used the visit to honor Constitution Week by giving each fourth-grader a pocket copy of the U.S. Constitution. Also at Southfield, the fifth grade students got a big surprise from HopeChurch and the Hope Kicks initiative. Every fifth grader received a new pair of Nike shoes, as well as a pair of Nike socks courtesy of Hibbett!

STUDENT ADVISORY LEADERSHIP DAY: Representatives of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory came together for a Student Leadership Day. Students worked together as a voice for their peers and identified a key project this year to further support mental health and wellness in our schools! Thank you to Hutchings College and Career Academy and Compass Rose Café for hosting and providing lunch!

ON THE HORIZON: ONE BED – ONE DREAM: The campaign to ensure no child in Bibb County sleeps on the floor was extended to allow more time for community partners to support this worthy cause. This project is a collaboration by the District, the Tubman African-American Museum, and the Bibb County Education Foundation to provide beds and new bedding for 1,500 children in Bibb County. We hope you will consider supporting this amazing cause.

Retired Educators Appreciation

Each year, the District likes to take time to recognize the Bibb Retired Educators Association and all retired educators for their dedication to the education profession. Not only did these individuals devote their careers to our students, but many of them continue to return to the classroom and volunteer for many years beyond that. With November being Retired Educators Month and Sunday, November 1, serving as Retired Educators Day, we’d like to honor these dedicated individuals.

2026 School Bell Award Winner

Each year, the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals recognizes schools for projects with a School Bell Award. These awards honor innovative projects that are taking place within the schools. This year, Vineville Academy of the Arts was recognized for the “Power Panda Tutors” program, which involved teachers preparing engaging summer learning packets for rising third, fourth and fifth grade students.

Partnership Impact Award

Macon-Bibb Mayor’s Literacy Alliance

The following Board Members were present at this meeting:

Mr. Daryl J. Morton, At-Large, Post 7 - President

Dr. Sundra M. Woodford, District 5 - Vice President

Mrs. Kristin C. Hanlon, District 3 - Treasurer

Dr. Henry C. Ficklin, District 2

Mr. Barney T. Hester, District 4

Mr. James M. Freeman, District 6

Dr. Lisa W. Boyd, At-Large, Post 8

Ms. Myrtice C. Johnson, District 1 - Not Present

To learn more about Bibb County Board of Education members, click here.