UPDATE: New Bibb BOE Members Invited to Participate in Upcoming Board Discussions

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Attorney’s Jason Downey and Lester Miller say the Bibb County Board of Education invited them to take part in a discussion that’s set to happen before they officially occupy their seats on the board.

The invitation is a response to Downey and Miller’s request to be involved in meetings and discussions related to the business of the board sent on Friday, November 30, 2012. The letter was addressed to Superintendent Romain Dallemand and current school board members. The two asked for a decision on a contract extension be delayed and voted on by the new school board, which is set to take office in January.

Dallemand’s contract was voted on at Special Called Board Meeting on Monday night. On December 4th, Downey and Miller received a letter from the board inviting them to participate in discussions related to Mayor Robert Reichert’s request to discuss SPLOST funds. That meeting will be held before December 31st, when the two officially take office.

In a news release, the two responded to the invitation by saying, “We look forward to the opportunity to give the outgoing Board our input on these matters, and appreciate that they will be of an open mind to consider our input on this issue. It is critical that any governing body such as the board reflect the interests of all people, and follow procedures to guarantee inclusion of all opinions.”

The release also says the board’s attorney, Patrick Millsaps responded to their open records request that was included in the letter.

In response to that, Downey and Miller say, “We are prayerful that this is a positive first step that will strengthen the relationship of the incoming board and place the focus back on the needs of the children.”