The Board Brief
May 16, 2024
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.
Actions
Board Approves Tentative Budget Adoption with Salary Increases for All Employees
On Thursday, May 16, the Board of Education voted to approve the tentative adoption of the Superintendent’s FY 2025 Recommended Budget, which includes support of the identified FY 2025 Budget Priorities of Literacy and Readiness, Engagement, Capacity and Retention, and School Improvement.
A significant priority in the FY 2025 Recommended Budget is to support recruitment and retention efforts as the Bibb County School District continues to compete with surrounding counties in the challenging hiring market. Certified teachers will receive a 2% raise plus the State-mandated salary increase of $2,500. All classified staff will receive a 5% raise. Custodial staff will receive an additional State-supported supplement of $1,000 for the 2024-2025 school year. Some BCSD classified staff positions with significant salary gaps in comparison to other districts – paraprofessionals, bus drivers, groundskeepers, school resource officers, and school nutrition assistants – will receive an additional 5% raise, for a total 10% raise. Identified leadership positions will receive an additional 2% increase.
Some considerations impacting the FY 2025 Recommended Budget bottom line include the need to maintain some resources and supports that have been funded by ARP/CARES, which is set to end in Fall 2024. Following a program and resource audit, which included input from principals, the Bibb County School District will reallocate funding to maintain some curricular resources and supplemental materials currently funded by ARP/CARES.
In order to prioritize school improvement in support of Macon-Bibb County’s continued growth efforts, the Bibb County School District will add or retain some positions in support of Teaching and Learning and School Improvement. Examples include additional teacher allotments based on student enrollment projections, Project AWARE and mental health support staff, and Dean of Student positions for Tier 4 Schools.
While the Bibb County School District is set to receive additional funding in QBE and equalization, the District also faces mandated increases in health insurance and retirement contribution costs per employee. To help offset these costs, the District has identified a reduction in operational expenditures by an estimated 10%.
Total revenues and transfers in for all funds total $378.2 million and total expenditures and transfers out total $388.4 million. Projected ending fund balance for all funds being budgeted total $115.9 million.
Public Hearings on the FY 2025 Recommended Budget will be held Tuesday, June 11, at 5 p.m. and Thursday, June 20, at 3 p.m. Both Public Hearings will be held at the Professional Learning Center, 2003 Riverside Drive, Macon. Proposed millage rate options will be presented at the July 18 Board of Education meeting as previously scheduled in the approved budget calendar.
Click here to review the FY 2025 Recommended Budget presentation. Click here to review information from the most recent Budget Work Session.
Administrative Appointment
On Thursday, May 16, Board members approved various personnel items, including the appointment of Beverly Bagley as Assistant Principal for Ballard-Hudson Middle School. For more information, click here.
Board Renews SWSS Contract with GaDOE
On Thursday, Board members authorized the renewal of the Strategic Waivers School System (SWSS) contract with the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE). This agreement provides the District with greater flexibility in meeting state education requirements in exchange for implementing innovative educational strategies that address specific local needs. The current SWSS contract, which has been instrumental in allowing the District to tailor programs and policies to better serve students, is set to expire on June 30, 2024. By renewing this contract, the District aims to maintain the ability to adapt state mandates to better fit the District's unique challenges and opportunities, ultimately striving to improve financial and operational efficiency, as well as educational outcomes for students. For more information, click here.
FY 2024 Budget Amendment #4 Approved
Board members approved Amendment #4 for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 General Fund Budget. Chief Financial Officer Eric Bush also presented monthly financial updates to Board members. For more information, click here.
Paving and Site Work to Occur at Schools
Board members approved a contract with Renfroe Construction Co. LLC to provide paving and sitework services for Union Elementary School, Carter Elementary School, Westside High School, and Ed DeFore Sports Complex. The funds will be paid out of Capital Improvements Fund 300. For more information, click here.
Board Approves Butler Center Furniture Purchase
Board members approved a furniture purchase and installation purchase order for the Butler Center at 2122 Eisenhower Parkway. As part of Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) pathway expansions, the Bibb County Board of Education previously approved renovations to the former Butler Collision Center for future design and use of potential CTAE district-wide pathway expansions. This project will be paid for with ESSER funds. Renovation costs for this project were approved on February 15, 2024. To learn more, click here.
Maintenance, Campus Police Vehicle Purchases Approved
Board members authorized the District to purchase 5 Ford F-250 vehicles from Riverside Ford for use by the Maintenance Department in an amount not to exceed $260,900. Board members also authorized the purchase of 5 interceptor vehicles for use by the Campus Police Department from Wade Ford in an amount not to exceed $213,820. These vehicles will be purchased from the 2021 ESPLOST (Education Special Purpose Local Options Sales Tax) fund. For more information, click here.
Infinite Campus Contract Renewed
Board members authorized a contract for Infinite Campus to be renewed for the 2024-2025 school year. They also approved renewed licensing until 2029-2030. Infinite Campus is a secure online, cloud-based tool used by school and district leaders to collect, manage, and report all student information to include teacher gradebooks and state mandated student reports. Additionally, IC provides both parents and students with a portal to view student grades and data. BCSD has used Infinite Campus as the Student Information System for the district for the past 16 years. For more information, click here.
Gas and Diesel, Propane Contracts Approved
Board members authorized purchase orders for gas and diesel fuel purchases from Walthall Oil Co., Mansfield Oil Co., and Boswell Oil Co. for 2024-2025 in amounts not to exceed $590,000. Board members also authorized a renewal for propane fuel purchases from Ferrellgas LP for 2024-2025 in amounts not to exceed 900,000. Purchases will be used to operate District-owned vehicles, buses and equipment. For more information, click here.
Tyler Technologies Contract Approved for Transportation Support
Board members approved a contract with Tyler Technologies for the renewal of contracted services of the Tyler Student Transportation (powered by Traversa) software suit. The funding source is the General Fund budget. For more information, click here.
School Nutrition Items Approved
Board members approved the following School Nutrition Program purchases.
- A contract with Flowers Baking Co. in the amount of $200,000 to provide bread products for all schools and the Central Kitchen for 2024-2025.
- A contract with Thomaston Milk Co. in the amount of $900,000 to provide milk and dairy items for all schools and the Central Kitchen for 2024-2025.
- A contract with Bi-City Produce for $950,000 to provide produce for 2024-2025.
All items will be funded from the School Nutrition Program budget. For more information, click here.
Garbage Collection Services Approved
Board members authorized a purchase order to Waste Management Services in the amount of $350,000 for the garbage and recycling services for 2024-2025. 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 GAI, Solicitations (ACTION - Second Reading)
- Policy ED, Student Transportation Management (ACTION - Second Reading)
- Policy GAHB, Staff Political Activities (ACTION - Second Reading)
- Policy JQK, Foreign Exchange Students (ACTION - Second Reading)
- Policy JCDAA, Student Tobacco Use (INFORMATION - First Reading)
- Policy KBB, School-Sponsored Information Media (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.
Information
Board Reviews Fine Arts Programming in Bibb County
Board members heard a presentation from Ben Bridges, Director of Fine Arts and Magnet Programs. He provided an overview of Fine Arts programming in Bibb County. Included in the presentation: The Fine Arts Pathway Graduation Rate for the Class of 2023 was recently announced as 99.25%! Additionally, 17,040 students are enrolled in Fine Arts courses for the 2023-2024 school year, and 82 Fine Arts teachers are serving students in 33 schools (K-12). To view the presentation, click here.
Bibb County Students Achieving Success with CTAE
Board members heard a presentation from Dr. Cassandra Washington, Executive Director of CTAE, on the 2023-2024 performance. She highlighted student success and spoke about the future of CTAE in Bibb County. To view the presentation, click here.
Highlights
Retirees with More than 25 Years of Service in Bibb Celebrated
The Bibb County School District is made better by the scores of educators who have committed their professional lives to improving the lives of young people. Every year, BCSD recognizes the individuals who are headed to a deserved retirement with at least 25 years of service in Bibb County. This year, that group includes about 40 individuals who are taking with them a total of more than 1,300 years of service to Bibb County students!
Congratulations to these retirees! Thank you for your service to BCSD!
Russell Bentley, Director III Chief of Police
Stephanie Blackwell Teacher, Springdale Elementary
Vicki Boatwright, Technology Specialist II
Priscilla Brown, Academic Coach, Ballard-Hudson Middle
Alvin Cain, Custodian, Ingram-Pye Elementary
Paul Carroll, Teacher/Head Football, Howard High
Natalie Clark, Custodian, Vineville Academy
Charlie Danielly, Custodian, Heard Elementary
Betsy Day, Nutrition Asst., Southfield Elementary
Adrienne Denson, Media Specialist, Weaver Middle
Armetrice Edmonds, Administrative Asst., Deputy Superintendent
Myrja Fuller, School Improvement Coordinator
Johnny Gilmer, Teacher, Rutland High
Elissa Glover-Lockett, Teacher, Weaver Middle
Pamela Golden, Media Clerk, Appling Middle
Precious Grace, Paraprofessional, Southwest High
Daniel Henley, PE Equipment Service Worker
Patricia Herring-Shropshire, Teacher, Rosa Taylor Elementary
Donna Jackson, Executive Officer, Elementary Schools
Yvonne James, Paraprofessional, Southfield Elementary
Laurie Cooper-Johnson, Budget Assistant, Professional
Elizabeth Keaney, Teacher, Rutland Middle
Christopher Kirby, Principal, Porter Elementary
Grace Krauss, Social Worker, SPED
Michelle Lenderman, Director, Media Services
Janice Loyd, School Improvement Specialist
Amanda Maddox, Teacher/PE, Rutland High
Theresa May, Teacher, Howard Middle
Mary Montgomery, Mail Clerk II, Central Office
Lucille Mosley, Bus Driver
Sandra Murphy, Custodial Services, Westside HS
Marilyn Reid, Teacher, Veterans Elementary
Pamela Rivers, Interventionist Lead Teacher, Williams ES
Brenda Sams, Speech Pathologist, Skyview Elementary
Dwight Sanders, Warehouseman/Mail Clerk II
Jenny Scarborough, Counselor, Heritage Elementary
Janice Sharpe, Principal, Southfield Elementary
Phyllis Stokes, Teacher, Heard Elementary
Genie Suddeth, Teacher, Bruce Elementary
Patricia Vinson, RTI Coach, Southwest High
Chanda Williams, Asst. Principal, Ingram-Pye Elementary
Meet New Leaders
New BCSD and school leaders were introduced on Thursday, May 16. Welcome to BCSD!
Dr. Ethelstine Lett, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning
Dr. Tamara Candis, Associate Superintendent of Schools
Precious Jones, Bruce Elementary School Assistant Principal
Dr. Carla Glanton, Heritage Elementary School Assistant Principal
Tina Harrison, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School Assistant Principal
Kristie Gordon, Porter Elementary School Assistant Principal
Derick Thomas, Southfield Elementary School Assistant Principal
Timothy Deas, Vineville Academy of the Arts Assistant Principal
Kimberly Crowder, Williams Elementary School Assistant Principal
Keywon Harvey, Miller Magnet Middle School Assistant Principal
Amber Lamar, Central High School Assistant Principal
Dr. Allison Walker, Westside High School Assistant Principal
Latisha Williams-Bacon, John R. Lewis Elementary, Assistant Principal
Apeksha Mehta, Secondary Math Coordinator
Dr. Keturah Reese, Science Coordinator
Latricia Gittens, Deputy Chief of Campus Police
Athletics Leadership Cohort Recognized
Athletic directors play an important role in schools, both serving as coaches and leaders for other coaches. This role also requires dedication to the health and well-being of student-athletes and supporters, as well as the fiscal responsibility of athletic programs. The District’s Athletics Department, led by AD Kevin Grooms, began hosting an Aspiring Athletic Directors Cohort during the last school year to educate and prepare interested coaches for stepping into that role. This year’s cohort is the second group to complete the program.
Congratulations to the Aspiring Athletic Directors Cohort!
Nysha Moore, L.H. Williams Elementary
Maurice Bethea, Appling Middle
Timothy Statham, Ballard-Hudson Middle
Tamara Bolston-Williams, Central High
Jarfaith Jones, Central High
Frankie O’Neal, Howard High
William Gordon, Northeast High
Courtiney Jones, Southwest High
Patrick Saladrigas, Southwest High
Tavon Mason, Westside High
Leaders Complete 2024 Georgia School Nutrition Leadership Academy
School Nutrition Program team members who took the next step to continue their education and development were recognized. These individuals attended the Georgia School Nutrition Leadership Academy this spring. This opportunity allowed these employees to connect with other future leaders from across the state while honing various skills such as public speaking, problem-solving, team-building and more.
Congratulations to the Graduates of the Georgia School Nutrition Leadership Academy!
Lillian Mosley
Heidi Aselton
Gisela Coley
Pledge of Allegiance
Board Members
Mr. James M. Freeman, District 6 - President
Dr. Sundra M. Woodford, District 5 - Vice President
Mr. Daryl J. Morton, At-Large, Post 7 - Treasurer
Mrs. Myrtice C. Johnson, District 1
Dr. Thelma D. Dillard, District 2
Mrs. Kristin C. Hanlon, District 3
Dr. Juawn A. Jackson, District 4
Dr. Lisa W. Garrett-Boyd, At-Large, Post 8 **Virtual attendance