Board approves budget amendment, security upgrades and two architectural contracts; vote to postpone software renewal passes

The Bibb County Board of Education’s fiscal committee presented financial statements for the fiscal year and the board acted on several finance and capital items, approving a budget amendment, a security upgrade purchase and architectural contracts while postponing a software renewal vote.

Finance overview: Eric Bush, the district finance presenter, told the board that for the two months ending Aug. 31 the general fund showed total assets of roughly $67 million, total liabilities of about $20.8 million and an ending general fund balance near $46.2 million. All‑fund assets were reported at approximately $758 million with a total fund balance of about $715.2 million. Bush also listed cash and Georgia Fund 1 investments and noted receipts and encumbrances for E‑SPLOST projects.

Budget amendment: The board considered FY26 general fund budget amendment No. 1, which officials described as a $914,315 upward revision to the projected ending general fund balance (raising the projected balance to $47,938,162). The amendment reflected adjustments tied to millage‑related receipts and updated federal program allocations such as IDEA/GNETS. The motion to approve budget amendment No. 1 was moved by Mr. Freeman and seconded by Ms. Johnson; the board adopted the amendment by voice vote.

Security upgrades and architectural services: The board approved a purchase order not to exceed $899,348 to NextGen to complete districtwide security camera and intrusion system upgrades, funded from the 2021 E‑SPLOST program and using a Georgia DOAS contract (SPD0000172). The board also authorized contracts with WM2A Architects for renovations at Vineville Academy of the Arts and for Burdell Hunt Magnet School; both projects are funded through 2021 E‑SPLOST.

Postponed contract renewal: A separate line item involved the district’s Renaissance renewal and related special‑education cost questions. At least one board member said she was uncomfortable approving the renewal without additional information, and a motion to postpone the vote until the next meeting passed on a voice vote. Board members cited outstanding questions about special‑education funding and the contract’s cost breakdown.

Questions and concerns: Several board members raised fiscal governance questions. Dr. Ficklin asked whether new millage receipts should have been used to cover a known prior deficit rather than be reallocated, asking, “Is that sound, budgeted advice?” Eric Bush and other staff replied that some adjustments (IDEA/GNETS salary placements and one‑time receipts) were required by federal rules and that the district would return with additional detail. Board members also asked about education services funded for students placed in other counties or residential programs (Twin Cedars, Price Academy) and whether sending counties contributed funds; staff said the district is researching inter‑county billing and will report back.

Consent agenda and other votes: Multiple committee items (FSS 3, 4, 5; PR 1, 2, 3; PS 1, 2, 5, 6) passed unanimously and were moved to the consent agenda for final approval by the full board later in the meeting.

The board’s votes advanced capital safety and design projects and adjusted the general fund budget; staff agreed to return with additional information on special‑education funding, inter‑county tuition arrangements and the audited year‑end deficit reconciliation.