2 Macon school board seats were on the ballot in 2026 election. Here’s who won.

Two at-large seats on the Bibb County Board of Education were up for grabs this year, and voters headed to the polls Tuesday to determine who they want to help reshape Macon’s public school policies.

Six candidates, including one incumbent, competed for at-large posts 7 and 8. Newcomer Amy Morton won Post 7 with 56.8% of the vote, while incumbent Lisa Garrett-Boyd retained her Post 8 seat with 55.6%, according to unofficial results from the Georgia Secretary of State website.

All 31 precincts had reported results as of 11 p.m.

At-large board members are elected for a four-year term and may serve up to three terms, or 12 years. These positions are elected by the entire voting population rather than a specific district.

This year’s race focused on several issues, including the Bibb County School District’s looming budget deficit, chronic absenteeism rate amid declining student enrollment and claims of lack of transparency.

Here’s what to know about the winners and what they hope to accomplish alongside the board.

Post 7

Amy Morton received about 57% of the vote in the Post 7 race and won out over challenger Kerry Hatcher.

The newcomer will succeed her husband and board president, Daryl Morton. While looking at early results, Amy Morton noted that she led in most precincts across Bibb County. She said the outcome reflects broad support for a community‑driven vision of “excellent schools,” not just adequate ones.

Because the school board at-large seat serves the entire county, Morton said her campaign was deliberate in reaching voters in every neighborhood, rather than concentrating on any single part of the district.

The school board will have to make difficult decisions on issues such as finances, chronic absenteeism and student achievement gaps, Morton told The Telegraph, and she said she is ready to further address those challenges.

“I look forward to having the opportunity to work with my fellow board members next year to get to address these issues. It’s not going to be easy. They’re going to be tough decisions to make, but I think that’s critical,” Morton said.

Morton previously told The Telegraph her priorities are increasing fiscal responsibility, protecting tax dollars, advancing property tax relief for seniors and reforming budgetary spending.

“Balancing that budget should not happen on the back of the teachers and taxpayers,” Morton said at a virtual board of education panel.

Additional priorities for Morton, a family therapist who has advocated for Bibb County children for more than 30 years, include protecting classrooms and retaining teachers. She said that while educators are the experts in instruction, the broader community must also have a seat at the table if the district is to make lasting improvements.

She said one of the clearest lessons from her campaign was how many people in different roles — from classroom educators to parents — were willing to come together despite knowing the work will be difficult and long‑term.

Macon-Bibb Mayor Lester Miller endorsed Morton, citing her dedication to children’s education and passion for bettering the community.

“I have personally witnessed Amy’s unwavering support for our teachers, parents and students. She’s committed to providing a high-quality education while not burdening taxpayers,” Miller said in a social media post on May 7.

Morton said Tuesday that while she has won the race, this is only the beginning.

“The work is ongoing in the school system, and I don’t want to take anything away from that. Now is when the real work begins for me. Yes, the campaign was work, but now the roll‑up‑your‑sleeves,” she said over the phone. “Let’s do it.”

Post 8

Incumbent Lisa Garrett-Boyd prevailed against three challengers, returning to her Post 8 for the third time with about 56% of voter support. She began her second board term in January 2023 and currently chairs the instructional services committee.

“I am very humbled by the turnout in yesterday’s election. I greatly appreciate the 14,477 voters who supported me. Those who know my vast history as a classroom teacher, school and district level administrator and two-term member of the Bibb County Board of Education recognize my passion for making a difference in the lives of all students,” Garrett-Boyd said Wednesday in a written statement.

A retired educator with more than 30 years in the Bibb County School District, Garrett-Boyd wants to reduce ongoing chronic absenteeism issues, increase the number of students reading on grade level and expand career pathways. She previously highlighted that many kindergarten students in the district cannot read on grade level.

For her final term, Garrett-Boyd said she plans to strengthen the district’s efforts to improve third-grade reading proficiency and continue working with board members to identify barriers preventing students from attending school regularly.

“Lastly, I seek to expand the career pathway opportunities to allow students to have a greater variety of opportunities to ensure their success after graduation,” she said.

Garrett-Boyd defeated candidates Nola McFadden, Jonathan Fisher and Carlos McCloud.

This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 11:48 PM.