Bibb County board restores teacher step increases after heated debate, 7–1

The Bibb County Board of Education voted on July 16 to restore previously removed step increases for eligible employees, approving a motion to reinstate approximately $1.71 million that had been cut during budget deliberations.

The motion, moved by Miss Johnson and seconded by Doctor Fickling, reignited months‑long budget discussions. Proponents argued that step increases recognize tenure and help retain veteran teachers amid competition from neighboring districts. Miss Johnson framed the restoration as an investment in teacher retention and classroom stability; Doctor Fickling and Mister Freeman echoed that it restores a committed promise to staff.

Opponents, led by President Morton, said the apparent additional revenue that would allow the increase depends on the board’s decision not to roll back the millage rate — in short, restoring the step increases without an identified offset could mean higher taxes or cuts elsewhere. President Morton said he could not support restoring the increase if it required raising the millage rate.

CFO Eric Bush and Superintendent Sims briefed the board on the narrow budget context: the district is running a structural deficit and expects cash‑flow pressure; Bush confirmed the number presented earlier in budget sessions (about $1.71 million for the full proposed set of step increases when the earlier proposal included both certified and classified staff). The board discussed whether the amount could be targeted only to certified staff, but the motion as presented sought to restore what had been removed from the adopted budget.

After members debated fiscal tradeoffs and recruitment consequences — including a reported 57 current vacancies — the board called for a roll‑call vote. The motion passed 7–1.

What happens next: The item was added to the consent agenda and approved. Administration will implement the restored step increases consistent with the district’s payroll processes and the budget as revised; board members asked staff for clarity on funding sources and to identify offsets where possible.

Who said it: Miss Johnson moved the reinstatement; President Morton voted no and explained his concern about millage‑related tax impacts. CFO Eric Bush and Superintendent Sims provided budget context during debate.

Why it matters: Restoring step increases affects personnel pay and retention, has an immediate payroll implication for FY27 and interacts with the district’s broader cash‑flow and budgeting choices (including the parallel decision to pursue a TAN).