Bibb School Board Approves Reduction in Force Timeline

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Facing potentially $15 million in budget cuts, the Bibb County School Board voted Thursday night to approve a plan for reduction in force.

Eighty-nine percent of the district’s general fund expenses go to salaries and benefits, so cuts in those areas seem necessary to help the district balance its budget.

The district cites rising health care costs, unemployment, workers compensation, and energy costs, along with a decrease in state revenue and decline in student enrollment as some reasons why it is faced with its current deficit.

Board member Lester Miller tells us no specific positions or names have been mentioned as likely to be cut, but a more specific list could be released at the board’s meeting next week.

District level administrators will determine department and school level staffing needs and meet with the human resources department to identify employees who could be impacted by the cuts.

The superintendent will then review the recommendations and make adjustments, if necessary, and present the recommendations to the board.

The plan calls for the district to begin informal notification of individuals affected by the RIF by April 19 and formal notification no later than May 15.