District 6
James Freeman
Bibb County Board of Education
About
James Freeman holds the District 6 seat on the Bibb County Board of Education. He is serving a second four-year term, which runs through December 31, 2028, and was the board's president in 2024.
Freeman is an attorney whose Macon law office handles personal injury and family law, and he serves as chief judge of the City of Perry Municipal Court, hearing traffic, code enforcement and probation violation cases. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Mercer University in 1996 and a law degree from Mercer's Walter F. George School of Law in 1999.
Sources: simbli.eboardsolutions.com · 41nbc.com
Total votes
1038
Yes
1025
No
6
Abstain
7
Yes rate
99%
When James voted No (6)
Each entry says what the item was in plain words, then how the whole board voted on it. The board usually takes an item up twice on the same day — first in its committee meeting, then at the board meeting — so the same item can appear twice. The district’s own wording is kept underneath as the record.
Proposal to revise the district's criminal background check policy for staff, replacing the current staff-rights policy.
Board vote0 Yes · 8 No — all 8 members voting said No · Second reading
Official wordingPR-1 · Policy GAK - Criminal Background Checks (Replacing Policy GAM: Staff Rights and Responsibilities) (ACTION - Second Reading)
No
Postpones a vote on hiring Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein for district legal services.
Board vote7 Yes · 1 No — the only No
Official wordingFSS-13 District Legal Services (ACTION)
No
Proposal to approve personnel actions recommended by district administrators.
Board vote2 Yes · 6 No — one of 6 No votes — the majority
Official wordingPS-5.2 Administrators Recommendation (ACTION)
No
Proposal to approve personnel actions recommended by district administrators.
Board vote2 Yes · 6 No — one of 6 No votes — the majority
Official wordingPS-5.3 Administrators Recommendation (ACTION)
No
Approves up to $207,538 for a one-year Gallup staff-engagement contract.
Board vote6 Yes · 2 No — one of 2 No votes
Official wordingIS-2 Gallup Renewal (ACTION)
No
Approves up to $207,538 for a one-year Gallup staff-engagement contract.
Board vote6 Yes · 2 No — one of 2 No votes
Official wordingIS-1 Gallup Renewal (ACTION)
No
Amendments and other motions (6)
Some items went through more than one vote — an amendment or a substitute — before the final one. The totals above count only final votes; these earlier ones are read from the minutes, which print a roll call for each motion.
Adopts the superintendent’s recommended budget for the 2027 fiscal year.
The motionIt was recommended that the Bibb County Board of Education approves the Superintendent’s FY 2027 Recommended Budget as presented. During discussion, Dr. Henry Ficklin made a motion to amend the recommendation by requesting that the Board vote to approve that the District reduce the budget by $2 mil…
Board vote2 Yes · 6 No
No
Adopts the superintendent’s recommended budget for the 2027 fiscal year.
The motionDr. Ficklin made another motion to amend the initial recommendation by returning the step increase and not enlarging class size. Dr. Woodford seconded this motion to amend his second recommendation. The Board voted 6 - 2 against this amended recommendation.
Board vote2 Yes · 6 No
No
Adopts the superintendent's recommended FY 2026 budget (Option C).
The motionA motion was made to approve the Superintendent’s FY 2026 Recommended Budget (Option C) as presented. Motion made by: Mr. James Freeman Motion seconded by: Dr. Henry Ficklin Discussion followed. Subsequently, the motion was amended to increase the budget to allow for salaries and benefits for three…
Board vote4 Yes · 4 No
Yes
Tentatively adopts the FY 2026 budget (Option C).
The motionA motion was made for the Bibb County Board of Education to tentatively adopt the FY 2026 Budget, Option A. With a vote of 4 - 4, the motion failed. Motion made by: Mr. James Freeman Motion seconded by: Ms. Myrtice Johnson
Board vote4 Yes · 4 No
Yes
Tentatively adopts the FY 2026 budget (Option C).
The motionA motion was made for the Bibb County Board of Education to tentatively adopt the FY 2026 Budget, Option B, with the amendment to add five media clerks. With a vote of 4 - 4, this motion failed. Motion made by: Mr. James Freeman Motion seconded by: Dr. Lisa Garrett-Boyd
Board vote4 Yes · 4 No
Yes
Tentatively adopts the FY 2026 budget (Option C).
The motionA motion was made for the Bibb County Board of Education to tentatively adopt the FY 2026 Budget, Option B as presented. With a vote of 4 - 4, this motion failed. Motion made by: Mr. James Freeman Motion seconded by: Dr. Lisa Garrett-Boyd
Board vote4 Yes · 4 No
Yes
Full voting record · 2023Newest meeting first
Approves the meeting’s agenda — the list of items the board will take up.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the meeting’s agenda — the list of items the board will take up.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the timeline for setting the FY2025 budget and 2024 property-tax (millage) rate.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves $1,342,764 for CTI weapons-detection systems.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Hires Warren Associates to manage the Butler Collision Center renovation.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Hires International City Builders to manage renovations at Rutland Middle and High Schools.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the consent agenda — a bundle of routine items the board passes together in one vote.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Renews the district’s excess workers’ compensation insurance.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Updates the district’s policy on sexual harassment of employees.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No · Second reading
Yes
Updates the district’s policy on student records.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No · Second reading
Yes
Updates the district’s policy on public access to school records.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No · Second reading
Yes
Votes to meet privately on matters state law lets boards close — like personnel, lawsuits, property, or safety. No final decisions are made behind closed doors.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the schedule of board and committee meetings for the coming year.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves personnel actions recommended by the district’s central office.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Ends the meeting.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Opens the meeting and approves the agenda.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the meeting’s agenda — the list of items the board will take up.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves about $3.48 million for Sheridan Construction to build Phase 3 of Thompson Stadium.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves an updated RICOH printing and copier agreement.
Board vote7 Yes · 0 No · 1 abstained
Yes
Updates the district’s policy on student transfers and withdrawals.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No · Second reading
Yes
Approves the consent agenda — a bundle of routine items the board passes together in one vote.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Updates the district’s policy on student guidance and counseling.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No · Second reading
Yes
Updates the district’s policy on transfers out of schools labeled unsafe.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No · Second reading
Yes
Votes to meet privately on matters state law lets boards close — like personnel, lawsuits, property, or safety. No final decisions are made behind closed doors.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the latest personnel moves for certified staff — teachers and other licensed employees (hires, transfers, and departures).
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the latest personnel moves for classified staff — non-teaching employees like aides, bus drivers, and custodians (hires, transfers, and departures).
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves personnel actions recommended by the district’s central office.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Amends the agenda to take up a new item under New Business.
Board vote6 Yes · 2 No
Yes
Ends the meeting.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Ends the meeting.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the meeting’s agenda — the list of items the board will take up.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Leases about 25,000 square feet from the Macon-Bibb Urban Development Authority (the Eisenhower property).
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Hires SP Design Group to design renovations at Rutland Middle and High Schools.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Hires WM2A Architects to design the Butler Collision Center renovation.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves up to $900,000 for milk and dairy from Thomaston Milk Company.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves up to $195,000 for 72 automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the consent agenda — a bundle of routine items the board passes together in one vote.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Updates the district’s policy on homebound instruction for students who can’t attend in person.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No · Second reading
Yes
Updates the district’s policy on supporting homeless students.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No · Second reading
Yes
Votes to meet privately on matters state law lets boards close — like personnel, lawsuits, property, or safety. No final decisions are made behind closed doors.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the latest personnel moves for classified staff — non-teaching employees like aides, bus drivers, and custodians (hires, transfers, and departures).
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Amends the agenda to take up a new item under New Business.
Board vote6 Yes · 2 No
Yes
Approves the meeting’s agenda — the list of items the board will take up.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves a revised 2024-25 school calendar.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves Towering Your Success expenses above $150,000 for FY2024 (GEAR UP).
Board vote6 Yes · 0 No · 2 abstained
Yes
Approves up to $150,000 for temporary staffing from Qualified Staffing.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Applies for state construction funds to renovate Howard Middle and Howard High Schools.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Asks the state to revise the district’s capital-funding application for Heritage Elementary.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Asks the state to revise the district’s capital-funding application for Ingram-Pye Elementary.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Asks the state to revise and close out the capital-funding application for Lane Elementary Phase II.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves agreements to run 21st Century after-school programs at several schools.
Board vote7 Yes · 0 No · 1 abstained
Yes
Approves having USDA food commodities processed for school meals through a shared contract.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Updates the district’s policy on high school graduation requirements.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Updates the district’s policy on environmental programs.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Updates the district’s policy on staff-student relations.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Votes to meet privately on matters state law lets boards close — like personnel, lawsuits, property, or safety. No final decisions are made behind closed doors.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves personnel actions recommended by the district’s central office.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Amends the agenda to take up a new item under New Business.
Board vote7 Yes · 0 No · 1 abstained
Yes
Ends the meeting.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the meeting’s agenda — the list of items the board will take up.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Accepts $515,701 in federal Perkins funds for career and technical education.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Sets the 2023 school property-tax (millage) rate at 14.674 mills (the rollback rate).
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves up to $564,394 for custodial supplies from Copaco.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Updates the district’s policy on student disciplinary hearings.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Updates the student code of conduct.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Updates the district’s policy on remedial programs.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Votes to meet privately on matters state law lets boards close — like personnel, lawsuits, property, or safety. No final decisions are made behind closed doors.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves personnel actions recommended by the district’s central office.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the latest personnel moves for classified staff — non-teaching employees like aides, bus drivers, and custodians (hires, transfers, and departures).
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves an agreement with Macon-Bibb County for automated speed cameras in school zones.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves an agreement with Macon-Bibb County on school public-safety initiatives.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Ends the meeting.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves up to $207,538 for a one-year Gallup staff-engagement contract.
Board vote6 Yes · 2 No — one of 2 No votes
No
Approves $305,112 for an employability and life-skills curriculum for high schoolers.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Renews the Kelly Education substitute-staffing contract, up to $3.6 million.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves a contract for an agency to supply certified (licensed) teachers.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the consent agenda — a bundle of routine items the board passes together in one vote.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves up to $207,538 for a one-year Gallup staff-engagement contract.
Board vote6 Yes · 2 No — one of 2 No votes
No
Approves $305,112 for an employability and life-skills curriculum for high schoolers.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Tentatively sets the 2023 school tax rate at 14.650 mills.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves $225,000 for Waste Management garbage and recycling service.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Renews the Kelly Education substitute-staffing contract, up to $3.6 million.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves a contract for an agency to supply certified (licensed) teachers.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves up to $5.62 million for Johnson Controls district-wide security upgrades (ESPLOST funds).
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Tentatively sets the 2023 school tax rate at 14.650 mills.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves $169,608 to lease copiers from Superior Document Solutions.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves $225,000 for Waste Management garbage and recycling service.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves a contract to buy gasoline and diesel fuel for district vehicles.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves a contract to buy propane fuel for district use.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves up to $5.62 million for Johnson Controls district-wide security upgrades (ESPLOST funds).
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves up to $165,730 for temporary school-nutrition staffing.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves $169,608 to lease copiers from Superior Document Solutions.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves a contract to buy gasoline and diesel fuel for district vehicles.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves a contract to buy propane fuel for district use.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves up to $165,730 for temporary school-nutrition staffing.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Updates the district’s student attendance policy.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Updates the district’s student attendance policy.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Updates the district’s policy on the minimum age to enter school.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Updates the district’s policy on board–community relations.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Updates the district’s policy on the minimum age to enter school.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Updates the district’s policy on board–community relations.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the latest personnel moves for certified staff — teachers and other licensed employees (hires, transfers, and departures).
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the latest personnel moves for classified staff — non-teaching employees like aides, bus drivers, and custodians (hires, transfers, and departures).
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves personnel actions recommended by the district’s central office.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Votes to meet privately on matters state law lets boards close — like personnel, lawsuits, property, or safety. No final decisions are made behind closed doors.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves personnel actions recommended by the district’s central office.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the meeting’s agenda — the list of items the board will take up.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Ends the meeting.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the meeting’s agenda — the list of items the board will take up.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Votes to meet privately on matters state law lets boards close — like personnel, lawsuits, property, or safety. No final decisions are made behind closed doors.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Ends the meeting.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Adopts the district’s strategic plan for 2024.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Renews the Amira reading software.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves LETRS reading-instruction training for teachers.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Renews the district’s contract for Imagine Learning / Edgenuity online learning software.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Renews the School City student-assessment platform.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the consent agenda — a bundle of routine items the board passes together in one vote.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Renews the Renaissance Star 360 testing program.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Renews the contract with Intalage.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Renews the TPG cultural-exchange teacher program.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the “Leader in Me” student-leadership program for schools.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves an intergovernmental agreement with Foothills, a regional education partner.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Adopts the superintendent’s recommended FY2024 budget.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the district’s legal-services fees for FY2024.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves district-wide HVAC (heating and cooling) replacement.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves buying wireless network access points for schools.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Renews the district’s property and liability insurance through the Georgia School Boards Association risk pool.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the paper and cleaning-supply contract renewal.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the food contract renewal for school meals.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the school-nutrition purchasing plan and procedures.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Updates the policy on outside (non-school) jobs for administrators.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Updates the district’s purchasing policy.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Updates the policy on purchasing-card (credit card) use.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the latest personnel moves for certified staff — teachers and other licensed employees (hires, transfers, and departures).
Board vote7 Yes · 1 No
Yes
Approves the latest personnel moves for classified staff — non-teaching employees like aides, bus drivers, and custodians (hires, transfers, and departures).
Board vote7 Yes · 1 No
Yes
Votes to meet privately on matters state law lets boards close — like personnel, lawsuits, property, or safety. No final decisions are made behind closed doors.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves personnel actions recommended by the district’s central office.
Board vote6 Yes · 2 No
Yes
Approves personnel actions recommended by the district’s central office.
Board vote7 Yes · 1 No
Yes
Ends the meeting.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the meeting’s agenda — the list of items the board will take up.
Board vote9 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the meeting’s agenda — the list of items the board will take up.
Board vote7 Yes · 1 No
Yes
Votes to meet privately on matters state law lets boards close — like personnel, lawsuits, property, or safety. No final decisions are made behind closed doors.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Ends the meeting.
Board vote9 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the consent agenda — a bundle of routine items the board passes together in one vote.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the meeting’s agenda — the list of items the board will take up.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Renews the School Administration Manager (SAM) program that frees principals to focus on instruction.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Votes to meet privately on matters state law lets boards close — like personnel, lawsuits, property, or safety. No final decisions are made behind closed doors.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the latest personnel moves for certified staff — teachers and other licensed employees (hires, transfers, and departures).
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the latest personnel moves for classified staff — non-teaching employees like aides, bus drivers, and custodians (hires, transfers, and departures).
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves personnel actions recommended by school principals and administrators.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Ends the meeting.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves the consent agenda — a bundle of routine items the board passes together in one vote.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Renews contracts for certified staff — teachers and other licensed employees.
Board vote6 Yes · 0 No · 2 abstained
Abstain
Renews contracts for district and school administrators.
Board vote7 Yes · 0 No · 1 abstained
Yes
Approves the meeting’s agenda — the list of items the board will take up.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Votes to meet privately on matters state law lets boards close — like personnel, lawsuits, property, or safety. No final decisions are made behind closed doors.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Ends the meeting.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Uses federal ESSER funds to continue the READ United tutoring program.
Board vote7 Yes · 0 No · 1 abstained
Yes
Uses federal ESSER funds to continue the Community Schools initiative with United Way.
Board vote7 Yes · 0 No · 1 abstained
Yes
Approves the job description for a Safety and Security Manager.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves personnel actions recommended by the district’s central office.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes
Approves personnel actions recommended by the district’s central office.
Board vote7 Yes · 0 No · 1 abstained
Yes
Approves the board’s meeting dates.
Board vote8 Yes · 0 No
Yes