The Bibb County Board of Education on Thursday moved several capital items forward tied to the 2021 East Blossom (capital) program, approving a budget amendment and authorizing contractor agreements for school renovations and construction.

Sam Kitchens, presenting a recommended amendment to the 2021 East Blossom budget, said final sales‑tax collections exceeded the original referendum estimate: the referendum had projected $185 million in collections and the final numbers showed approximately $201.2 million, plus DOE reimbursements and interest income. The board heard that amendment (FSS 3) and moved it toward approval.

The board also approved construction-manager-at-risk recommendations funded by East Blossom. Procurement recommended contracts with ICB Construction Group for renovations at Verdell Hunt Elementary School and Vionville Academy of the Arts (FSS 4 and FSS 5); both motions carried unanimously and heads to the consent agenda.

A separate recommendation to select a construction manager for a new gym at Northwoods Academy (FSS 6) drew more discussion. Board members questioned why ICB continued to win multiple contracts; procurement staff and the Bonfire evaluation representative explained that the procurement scores reflect weighted criteria (price, scope and experience) rather than price alone. The board approved the Northwoods contract by a 7–1 vote.

The board also authorized architectural services for the Hartley Elementary kitchen (Leah Jones Architects) and selected Appling Brothers Company as general contractor for an expansion of the transportation parking lot; both motions passed and were placed on the consent agenda.

Kitchens and procurement staff said funding for the approved projects will come from the 2021 East Blossom capital program and that budget alignment items are intended to reflect final collections and reimbursements before project application.