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.)

Board Members Tentatively Adopt Millage Rate

Eric Bush, Chief Financial Officer, presented a Millage Rate recommendation to Board members. This presentation provides an overview of the Bibb County School District's millage rate decision process, including tax digest information, revenue projections, budget impacts, and considerations for maintaining the District's financial stability.

Following the presentation and recommendation, Board members voted to tentatively adopt a millage rate of 14.674 mills as the Calendar Year 2026 Millage Rate for the District. Three public hearings must be held to allow for public input prior to the final adoption of a millage rate higher than the rollback rate. The recommendations for the dates and times for these public hearings are as follows:

• Public Hearing 1 - Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
• Public Hearing 2 - Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
• Public Hearing 3 - Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
• Board Meeting to vote on the final recommendation for the CY 2026 Millage Rate - September 9, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.

To view the informational presentation made at the Called Meeting, click here. To view the action item, click here.

Tax Anticipation Note Resolution Authorized

Board members authorized a Tax Anticipation Note, or TAN, resolution. This action awarded the sale of the Series 2026A Note to Truist Commercial Equity, Inc. and the sale of the Series 2026B (Taxable) Note to Truist Bank, and adopted the final TAN Resolution, approving the form of the Note Purchase Agreement and authorizing the officers of the Board of Education to execute the Note Purchase Agreement, the Notes, and the related closing documents. To view the informational presentation made at the Called Meeting, click here. To view the action item, click here.

Corrective Action Plan Approved

Board members approved a corrective action plan in response to findings identified in the District’s financial audit. The Fiscal Year 2025 audit resulted in an unmodified opinion. This means the District's financial statements were presented fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The plan outlines steps to strengthen financial reporting processes, improve internal controls, enhance oversight, and ensure continued accountability and compliance with state requirements. To view the informational presentation made at the Called Meeting, click here. To view the action item, click here.

Edmentum Digital Learning Program Approved

Board members approved the renewal of the Edmentum digital learning platform. The program provides personalized learning pathways, targeted interventions, and progress monitoring tools that support students participating in the District's 21st Century Community Learning Centers and GEAR UP programs. For more information, click here.

Interactive Flat Panel Refresh Approved

Board members approved Phase 2 of the District’s interactive flat panel replacement project. The initiative will replace aging classroom instructional technology in secondary schools and other facilities, providing teachers and students with updated tools that support daily teaching and learning. For more information, click here.

Computer Refresh for Interactive Panels Approved

Board members approved the purchase of new microcomputers to support the District’s interactive flat panels and replace older desktop computers in schools. The technology upgrade will improve classroom functionality and ensure instructional devices operate efficiently. For more information, click here.

USDA Commodity Processing Contract Approved

Board members approved participation in a USDA commodity processing agreement that allows the School Nutrition Department to continue utilizing federally provided food products through approved processing vendors. The program supports student meal services by converting USDA commodities into menu-ready products used in school cafeterias. For more information, click here.

Roofing Project Consultant Approved

Board members approved roofing consulting services for planned roof renovation projects at several school facilities. The consultant will assist with project design, technical specifications, and construction oversight to support facility improvements funded through ESPLOST, the one percent sales tax approved by voters. For 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 JBCD: Transfers and Withdrawals (ACTION - Second Reading)
• Policy JCDAF: Use of Electronic Devices (ACTION - Second Reading)
• Policy JHC: Student Organizations (ACTION - Second Reading)
• Policy JRA: Student Data Privacy Complaints (ACTION - Second Reading)
• Policy DJE: Purchasing (INFORMATION - First Reading)
• Policy DJEAC: Purchasing or Credit Card Use (INFORMATION - First Reading)
• Policy IDB: Health and Physical Education (INFORMATION - First Reading)
• Policy IDDF: Special Education Programs (INFORMATION - First Reading)
• Policy IDBA: Sex Education (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.

LEAN Frog Operational Efficiency Presentation

Board members reviewed a presentation by LEAN Frog Consulting on the results of its study of Operational Efficiency in the District. The result of the Operational Efficiency study included nine recommendations, sequenced so the District redesigns work and clarifies ownership before it changes any staffing; a conservative, source-tied value path of $1.63M to $4.9M over five years, realized through attrition; and a phased roadmap and a simple tracking dashboard that keep progress visible to leadership and the Board. To view the presentation, click here.

Brian Butler and Olena Stadnik, Executive Directors of Teaching and Learning, presented Board members with a review of summer learning. The 2026 Summer Learning Programs provided targeted academic support, demonstrated student growth in literacy and mathematics, and successfully expanded learning opportunities through new Virtual Choice Boards and PUSH Ahead courses, extending access to summer learning for more students. To view the presentation, click here.

Athletics Overview 2025-2026

Kevin Grooms, Athletic Director, presented to Board members about athletic programs in BCSD.

This presentation highlighted current athletic programming, the operational systems that sustain it, accomplishments and enhancements across the District, and the vision for expanding meaningful athletic opportunities for students. To view the presentation, click here.

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

NEW SCHOOL YEAR BEGINS: We have been so excited to welcome back students, teachers, staff, and families for the 2026-27 school year! As I’ve visited schools, I’ve met with staff and students who are actively engaged in the Push for the Promise, demonstrating intentionality with aligned efforts, rigorous approaches, and committed delivery. It’s going to be an amazing year!

PBIS BASH SUPPORTS 2,500+ FAMILIES: Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2026 Bibb PBIS Back to School Bash an incredible success! A total of 291 volunteers from over 50 organizations, 40 vendors, and 25 sponsors came together with one shared goal, ensuring our students had everything they needed for a strong start to the year. We served more than 2,500 families, providing more than 2,200 backpacks, 1,200 uniform shirts, and countless school supplies, along with access to District and community resources. The community’s partnership continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of our students and families.

STUDENT EXPERIENCES BROADWAY STAGE: Bibb students have access to so many opportunities! Joy Doctor, a freshman at Central High School, recently participated in the prestigious Camp Broadway Mainstage program, a nationally recognized theater program that provides young performers with an immersive introduction to Broadway. To know she may one day join the ranks of District graduates like Carrie Preston and Sasha Hutchings demonstrates there is so much talent and achievement right here within our schools.

NORTHEAST ZONE CELEBRATES AT RAIDERFEST: Our Northeast Zone schools came together for the annual Raiderfest kick off to the start the school year and celebrated becoming the FIRST zone in the NATION to have every school achieve Lighthouse Status! This milestone is a testament to the dedication, leadership, collaboration, and commitment of our students, teachers, staff, families, and community partners. What an incredible achievement!

BIBB STUDENTS MAKE GAINS ON MILESTONES: The Georgia Milestones test scores for 2025-26 were released this month and Bibb County students continue to make steady academic progress! Overall, students demonstrated marked improvement in math and maintained or demonstrated improvement in the science and social studies content areas. ELA scores will be released this fall. Read more about these achievements at www.bcsdk12.net!

GROUNDBREAKING MAKES WAY FOR NEW ARENA: Community members, project partners, and local leaders gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Macon Arena, a transformational project that will serve as a destination for concerts, sporting events, conventions, graduations, and more for generations to come. This was an amazing celebration, and we look forward to negotiations that could lead to an opportunity to expand student instruction on site.

MERRIE CHRISTMAS PROJECT SUPPORTS STUDENTS: Thank you to The Merrie Christmas Project for its sizable donation to the District’s Student Support Services team. Mike and Nancy Kaplan created The Merrie Christmas Project in loving memory of their daughter Merrie Kaplan, who was a Bibb student. The Merrie Christmas Project helps families and children experience a Christmas who otherwise would not by providing food and gifts to families in need. We’re thankful for the organization’s continued support of students throughout the school year!

41NBC AWARDS SCHOOLS WITH SCHOLARSHIPS: This week, L.H. Williams Elementary and Howard Middle School got great news from 41NBC / WMGT! Williams was chosen as the first-place winner in the "Give Your School a Scholarship" contest, which came with school supplies and a $1,000 donation. Howard Middle came in third and received supplies and $500. We love these community partnerships!

NO CHILD SLEEPS ON THE FLOOR IN OUR TOWN!: As we kicked off the new school year, one of the passion projects near and dear to my heart is making sure every student in Bibb has a bed to sleep in at night. Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a nonprofit dedicated to building and delivering hand-made, fully furnished beds to children in need. More than 940 beds have been delivered across Macon thanks to this organization! They still have about 1,000 kids waiting for beds and this number grows daily. Please continue to help and support if you can so that No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in YOUR Town!

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING PATHWAY OPENS: This month, we celebrated the new Advanced Manufacturing Pathway at the Hutchings Innovation & Technology Academy. Here in Macon-Bibb, manufacturers represent 6,500 jobs in our community, paying salaries over $80,000 a year. This workforce program was created with industry partners at the table and sets students up to graduate high school with 17 hours of college credit. This month’s opening celebration was just the beginning of networking opportunities students will have with industry partners!

CTAE HEALTHCARE PARTNERSHIP EXPANDS: Last month, our CTAE Executive Director joined CGTC and local healthcare and education partners at Bloomberg Philanthropies' Healthcare High School Partner Convening. Through healthcare-focused high schools, this network is giving students hands-on experience and training in the healthcare industry and preparing them for high-demand jobs immediately upon graduation. Special thanks to great partners who are making incredible opportunities in the healthcare industry happen for students in Central Georgia.

RENOVATIONS LOOK GOOD ON THESE SCHOOLS!: School buildings are usually quiet during the summer, but not for several of our campuses! ICB Construction shared final photos from our summer renovations of Burdell-Hunt Magnet School and Vineville Academy of the Arts! These much-needed renovations were funded by the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or ESPLOST, approved by more than 70% of voters. Work continues at Northwoods Academy, where construction of the new gym is underway.

CAN’T SUGAR BOWL WITHOUT SUGARBEARS: Big news from C’s House: The Central High School Marching Sugarbear Band has been invited to participate in the Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year's Eve Parade in New Orleans, giving our talented students the opportunity to represent Central High School, Macon, and the Bibb County School District on a national stage! The Sugarbears are calling on alumni, families, businesses, and community partners to help make this trip a reality for each team member! Reach out to Band Director Kameron Agee to learn how you can help!

EMPLOYEES EARN HIGHER DEGREES: Each year, we pause during a Board meeting to recognize employees who have reached important professional milestones. Tonight, we celebrate teachers who have earned certification, educators who have completed advanced degrees in their fields or in educational leadership, and classified employees who have earned degrees that strengthen the work they do each day. These accomplishments represent many hours of study, sacrifice, and perseverance – often while balancing full-time work and family responsibilities. Our honorees chose to keep learning because they understand that when the adults in our district grow, our students and schools grow with them. This is The PUSH in action: promoting excellence, unifying around a shared purpose, supporting professional growth, and helping strengthen our district and community. These employees remind us that We Are the Promise – and through their continued commitment to learning and service, they are truly #Built4Bibb. On behalf of the Board and the entire District, congratulations. We are proud of you, grateful for your service, and honored that you have chosen to invest your talents here.

Please stand if you are in the audience with us.

‘MACON IT’ PODCAST GOES BACK TO SCHOOL: As students returned to school, I was invited to sit down with the team that brings you the Macon It podcast by Macon-Bibb County to talk about the new school year, my journey to Macon, and helping our students succeed.

Listen at https://maconbibb.podbean.com/

ON THE HORIZON: GRIDIRON CLASSIC: We are so excited to host the Gridiron Classic at Harry B. Thompson Stadium again this year. Buy your tickets on GoFan, and please join us over the next two nights as all six of our high school football programs kick off the 2026 football season alongside their bands, cheerleaders, coaches, teachers and fans. We hope to see you all there!

Meet the New Leaders

Congratulations to our new leaders! We look forward to seeing your growth in BCSD.

Annie Horton, Assistant Principal, Veterans Elementary School

Tomika Jones, Assistant Principal, Southfield Elementary School

Escaping Vaping Poster Contest

The Georgia Healthy Families Alliance launched the “Escaping Vaping” program for fourth- and fifth-graders to educate them about the dangers of this trend. This summer, the District received notification from the organization that Samantha Zelaya Sanchez – a student at John R. Lewis Elementary School – won third place in the organization’s statewide contest. Congratulations Samantha!

Leader in Me Lighthouse Award

One of the highest levels of school recognition within Leader In Me is receiving Lighthouse Status. This honor comes after an involved application process that requires demonstration of leadership development from students all the way up through administration.

Southfield Elementary was named the 18th Leader in Me Lighthouse School! Also, Veterans Elementary School was officially recertified as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School! Congratulations to these schools!

Governor’s Honors Finalists

Each summer, students across the state are invited to participate in the Governor’s Honors Program. This residential summer program recognizes talented high school students in a variety of academic disciplines.

Congratulations Camila Acevedo and Shritham Panda, Central High School students, for being selected for this program!

2025-2026 Region 2AA Athletic Director of the Year

Our athletic directors take on a great deal of responsibility, much of which goes unseen. In addition to coaching his or her own sport, each school AD is responsible for making sure student-athletes in every sport are safe and in compliance with Georgia High School Association rules. Each year, each region recognizes its Athletic Director of the Year for their excellence in these efforts. For the 2025-2026 school year, Region 2-AA selected Dr. Candice Roberson, Westside High School, as its AD of the Year.

2025-2026 National Beta School of Merit

The National Beta Club is an established student organization that encourages our young people to pursue academic excellence and community service. Students across our District participate in their school chapters and even compete at the state and national conventions. Each year, National Beta Club recognizes chapters with awards for their efforts to grow the organization. The National Beta School of Distinction Award is given to schools that increase their chapter membership by 10 percent for the year, while the National Beta School of Merit Award is given to schools that have students representing all eligible grade levels within their chapters. Congratulations to these schools!

Bernd Elementary School

Charles H. Bruce Elementary School

Sonny Carter Elementary School

Hartley Elementary School

Heritage Elementary School

Ingram-Pye Elementary School

Southfield Elementary School

Springdale Elementary School

Union Elementary School

Miller Magnet Middle School

VIP Academy

Central High School

2025-2026 National Beta School of Distinction

Miller Magnet Middle School

Central High School

Partnership Impact Award: 2026 Bibb PBIS Back to School Bash Gold Level Sponsors

On July 31, the District once again hosted its PBIS Back-to-School Bash, this time held at the Macon Mall. Led by PBIS Coordinator Curlandra Smith, numerous vendors and community sponsors gathered to support our students. Families had the opportunity to learn about resources available to them and receive school supplies, book bags and more. This effort was made possible in large part by sponsors.

Amazon

Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority

Towering Your Success

Robins Financial Credit Union

Macon-Bibb Mayor’s Literacy Alliance

Bibb Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Peachtree Pest Control

June Jordan O’Neal

First Quality Baby Products

41NBC

Mr. Chips

ICNA Relief

Command Sgt. Maj. Jayden Markell Thorpe, Central High School JROTC Army Drill Team Commander, provided the invocation at the Board of Education meeting.

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

Ms. Myrtice C. Johnson, District 1

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

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