Bibb BOE appoints principals, discusses budget changes.

May 28--The Bibb County Board of Education approved some principal appointments and transfers, and discussed the fiscal 2015 budget Tuesday during a called board meeting.

The following principals will be in place next school year: Chanelle Sweet-White at the Academy of Excellence at Barden Elementary School; Chad Thompson at Bernd Elementary School; Eddie McCloud at Burghard Elementary School; Shandra Yarbrough at Jones Elementary School; Kim Reining-Gray at Porter Elementary School; Sara Carlson at Skyview Elementary School; LaLisa Burston at Union Elementary School; Lindsey Allen at Howard Middle School; and Shannon Norfleet at Howard High School.

Most principals are transferring from other principal or assistant principal positions within the system. Allen is coming from Gwinnett County public schools, where she was an assistant principal, according to a news release.

The school board also discussed the budget and is expected to vote next week on a tentative one.

The board reviewed the budget, which included a few changes since the previous budget discussion in early May. One of the biggest changes is a projected additional $500,000 in property tax revenue. The budget also includes more than $1.9 million in additional expenditures for salaries and benefits, as the district looks to add 21 new positions, including 15 contingency teachers in case extra instructors are needed. It also has more than $600,000 in additional operations spending, which includes $45,000 for Macon Promise Neighborhood insurance and utilities.

The budget, which is scheduled for tentative approval on June 3, includes a $7.4 million deficit, which would be covered by the fund balance, leaving a projected ending fund balance of $19.6 million.

Still, the budget predicts that the fund balance will dive over the next few years, with an estimated deficit of $5.9 million in fiscal 2019.

"As time goes on, as we continue to spend more than we take in, you can see our fund balance decreases," financial director Ron Collier said.

The district will have to cut costs and increase its revenue, which largely is state funds and local property tax revenue, Collier said.

To contact writer Jenna Mink, call 744-4331.

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