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Board appoints Parker Poe as interim general counsel; approves monthly billing updates after debate
Summary
Following Jones Cork’s termination of services, the board approved an interim engagement with Parker Poe for legal services beginning immediately and running through the fiscal year, with an added board amendment requiring monthly updates of amounts paid under the agreement. Vote recorded 7–1.
The Bibb County Board of Education approved a recommendation to appoint Parker Poe (Adams & Bernstein, Parker Poe) as interim general counsel for the district through the end of the current fiscal year after Jones Cork notified the district it would no longer provide legal services.
Dr. Katika Lovett presented the recommendation and said the interim appointment would allow the district to maintain continuous legal coverage while conducting a planned RFP for long‑term counsel for the 2025–26 school year. Lovett said Parker Poe’s services were expected to start immediately and that the board would authorize the superintendent to sign an engagement letter and issue a purchase order for legal services and expenses.
Board members debated the recommendation. Dr. Henry Fickland objected to out‑of‑county counsel and urged local firms be considered, questioned hourly rates cited in the engagement and expressed a preference for a local competitive process. Daryl Morton proposed an amendment that the board receive monthly updates of amounts paid to Parker Poe under the interim agreement; the amendment was seconded and incorporated into the motion after procedural discussion. Multiple board members and the superintendent explained the district’s need to avoid a lapse in comprehensive legal representation after Jones Cork rescinded services and noted Parker Poe’s education‑law practice and a named liaison, Sherry Colvis.
The board voted on the motion as amended (appointment to Parker Poe with monthly billing updates). The motion passed, recorded by the chair as 7 in favor and 1 opposed. The transcript records Miss Johnson moved the base motion, Dr. Woodford seconded; Daryl Morton moved the amendment and Mr. Hester seconded the amendment. The district will proceed with the interim engagement while planning an RFP for counsel to begin July 1, 2025.
