Bibb County Schools budget sparks concern over student literacy support

As the Bibb County School District moves through its budget process for the 2026 fiscal year, some Macon residents are voicing concern about the district’s direction.

Last month, the Board of Education voted against funding several proposed staff positions in its tentative budget to reduce a projected $21 million deficit. District officials say the shortfall stems from higher state-mandated health insurance costs and other rising expenses that could be offset by higher property taxes or increased state funding.

The eliminated positions included a K-5 English language arts improvement coordinator and a truancy specialist — roles aimed at tackling chronic absenteeism and low literacy rates, two persistent challenges in the district.

While the board approved teacher pay raises to remain competitive, some parents say the literacy role is equally essential for supporting teachers and building early reading skills.

“I’m disappointed. I am not happy about that for our children because if we’re in the hole, that means our children can’t get the finances in the budget that they need to succeed academically,” said Jasmine Carson, a former BCSD teacher and Macon resident. She urged district officials to prioritize literacy and math coaches.

“I’ve seen it for myself. A lot of our students cannot read. Literacy is not that great in Bibb,” Carson added, noting she needed a tutor as a child due to her own struggles with reading. “Some parents don’t think to get that extra help. We need to have those coaches in the schoolhouse.”

State data from the 2023–24 school year shows that only 39% of Bibb County fourth graders and 50% of third graders read at or above grade level. Both figures fall below the state average.

Board members remain divided over the proposed positions. Some argue they are critical to improving academic outcomes, while others cite the need for fiscal restraint.

Board member Lisa Garrett-Boyd, who was in favor of retaining the literacy role, said at a previous meeting, “Our children are struggling to read on grade level by third grade. We’ve seen large numbers of children that are still at the beginning level of the Georgia Milestone even at the fifth-grade level over and over again.”

But board member Henry Ficklin said at a previous meeting, “This is not about justifying what is needed and what we want to happen. This is a money issue. This is a dollar issue. We don’t have any additional money. We are in the hole $21 million, and a general fiscal responsible tactic is that you don’t add money.”

The debate comes as Georgia pushes for stronger literacy instruction statewide. The Georgia Council on Literacy recently secured new funding to expand literacy coaching in public schools, state department of education officials shared at a recent board meeting.

Kerry Hatcher, a Macon parent, attended the district’s first public hearing on June 10 and later blogged about his surprise at the low turnout. He has also voiced strong support for the literacy coordinator position, noting the link between reading proficiency and incarceration rates.

“We have arrived today where we are because of lack of participation,” Hatcher told The Telegraph. “I 100% want people to come to the meeting who differ on this topic. My biggest message is just show up and be part of the budget process because we need to take action on important decisions like this.”

Both Carson and Hatcher are calling on residents to attend the final public hearing on June 17.

“We love to complain on Facebook about a lot of things in Bibb County, in my opinion. We complain about politics and things, but are we showing up to the meetings and are we voting?” Carson said.

Despite challenges facing the city, including crime, Carson emphasized her belief in the community.

“Great things come out of Macon,” she said, expressing hope that students will receive the support they need to succeed.

The board’s second and final public hearing on the fiscal year 2026 budget will be held at 5 p.m. on June 17 at the Professional Learning Center, located at 2003 Riverside Drive. The board is expected to adopt the final budget on June 18.

Property tax discussions will take place at future meetings once the tax digest becomes available, school officials said.

This story was originally published June 13, 2025 at 12:27 PM.