Bibb County school board newcomers Thelma Dillard, Jason Downey and Lester Miller were among six members sworn into office Tuesday afternoon.

The ceremony took place at the Bibb County Courthouse with Probate Judge Sarah Harris administering the oaths of office.

“I think that the school board and our education system is the most important thing we have in Bibb County,” Harris said. “New and old members, you have a great burden on your shoulders to secure the burden of our future and our young children as they go out in our community.”

Incumbent board members Ella Carter, Tom Hudson and Susan Sipe also were sworn into office Tuesday.

Those six board members won a spot on the eight-member board during last year’s elections. Terms for at-large board members Lynn Farmer and Wanda West end in 2014.

Downey described the swearing-in process as “humbling.” This year, the board will have to work through major issues such as the budget, the idea of year-round schools and pending litigation against the school system, he said.

“Immediately after I signed my name, I thought, ‘now the work begins,’ ” Downey said.

Though Tuesday’s ceremony formalized his place on the school board, Miller said he’s already been preparing for office by attending board meetings and keeping up with the school system’s actions.

“To me, I’ve been working on the board for several months now,” he said.

With the changes on the board, Dillard said she looks forward to working toward new solutions for tackling issues such as school funding and advancement opportunities for teachers.

“I embrace our veteran board members, and I embrace the new members,” she said. “I’m looking forward to working with everybody.”

To contact writer Andrea Castillo, call 744-4331.