Who’s running for Bibb County board of education in 2026? What we know.

With primary elections approaching in May, five candidates have announced plans so far to run for open seats on the Bibb County School District Board of Education.

Two at-large seats are up for election: Post 7, currently held by Daryl Morton, and Post 8, held by Lisa Garrett-Boyd. At-large board members are elected for a period of four years and may serve up to three terms, or 12 years. Morton is completing his third and final term. Garrett-Boyd, now in her second term, told The Telegraph she intends to seek re-election for a third term.

As of Wednesday, two candidates had filed declarations of intent with the Bibb County Board of Elections, according to Elections Supervisor Thomas Gillon. The filing deadline is in March.

Here’s what we know about the candidates who have filed for the May 19 primary election.

Jonathan Fisher

Jonathan Fisher is a music minister at United Community Church in Macon and a former paraprofessional at VIP Academy.

He said he is running for several reasons, including concerns about transparency in the district, citing the recently reported $5.5 million budget shortfall that officials are working to amend.

“I’m running because I really feel that I can make a difference,” Fisher said, noting that teachers need more support and respect. “I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of our teachers, the potential of our students and the challenges that too often go unheard.”

Fisher said his priorities include transparent spending, open communication with families, higher pay for teachers, increased administrator involvement in classrooms and accountability when student achievements are not met.

Fisher did not disclose which seat he is seeking and said he will make an announcement in January.

Lisa Garrett-Boyd, Post 8

Lisa Garrett-Boyd is a retired educator with more than 30 years of experience in the Bibb County School District. She began her second board term in January 2023 and currently chairs the instructional services committee.

As she prepares for re-election, Garret-Boyd said her top priorities are to reduce chronic school absenteeism, increase the number of students reading on grade level and expand pathways that prepare students for success after graduation.

She said the district is partnering with local businesses to expand industry-recognized certifications and keep graduates workforce-ready and invested in Macon.

Garrett-Boyd addressed the district’s budget concerns, pointing to rising health insurance costs and inflation as key factors straining district finances.

“Budget decisions have understandably heightened concerns, but it is important for stakeholders in Macon-Bibb to recognize the impact of unfunded state mandates that continue to drive up the cost of education,” she said in an email. The district has cut millions of dollars from the budget and is working to identify cost savings, she said.

The board is reviewing central office staffing and conducting a rezoning study to improve enrollment balance and address long-term fiscal stability, she said.

Looking ahead, Garrett-Boyd said she hopes to see higher graduation rates and a district that balances fiscal responsibility while remaining transparent.

“Most importantly, I hope the community takes pride in the progress made and demonstrates a renewed and lasting commitment to public education in Macon-Bibb,” she said.

Kerry Hatcher, Post 7

A Macon resident and Alexander Elementary II Magnet School parent, Kerry Hatcher announced his candidacy in December 2025. He said his interest grew out of local concerns over administrative changes, student literacy and district funding, which he has shared publicly through online blogs.

Hatcher, who became a vocal advocate for parents last year after his involvement in the controversy surrounding Alex II, is running for the Post 7 seat.

Hatcher said his priorities include “radical transparency” and clear, two-way communication with the community so that families can easily navigate district processes and understand ongoing affairs.

Beyond communication, Hatcher said he will commit to confronting teacher attrition, student absenteeism and safety issues around school access. He said he’s concerned about the lack of sidewalks near some schools and floated the idea of “walking school buses” led by hired adults as a lower-cost way to get students safely to class.

Hatcher said his background in IT and budget management would inform data-driven solutions .

“Every single person, whether you’re a voter or not, whether you live here or not ... we have to take a collective ownership of the school system and not just see it as costs,” he said. “It’s an investment.”

Carlos McCloud

The Macon-Bibb Board of Elections said Carlos McCloud has submitted a declaration of intent.

McCloud could not be reached prior to publication. His campaign website does not disclose which seat he is seeking.

The executive board member of the Middle Georgia Regional Commission said his priorities are improving student test scores, stakeholder involvement and fiscal transparency.

Amy Morton, Post 7

Amy Morton, a Macon native and family therapist, launched her campaign in January with a focus on strengthening public education across Bibb County.

She is running for the at-large Post 7 seat to replace her husband, Daryl Morton.

Amy Morton said her priorities include fiscal responsibility, like protecting tax dollars, advancing property tax relief for seniors and reforming budgetary spending.

“It’s become more and more challenging for public education, especially in the arena of funding and the commitment on the part of our lawmakers to provide necessary resources for our local schools,” Morton said, adding that the system must use “every dollar…as efficiently as possible” before asking taxpayers for more.

Morton said collaboration is key to tackling early literacy gaps, absenteeism and career readiness, calling for a “moon shot” that brings parents, educators, employers and faith leaders to the same table.

Morton said she wants every BCSD graduate prepared for “the workforce, college or military service,” and for families to view public schools as a strong option.

“The school system is infrastructure,” Morton said. “If we let it decay, if we don’t support it, then families don’t want to live here and businesses don’t want to come, and that’s not what we want.”

This story was originally published January 22, 2026 at 10:49 AM.