Several members of the Board made a last minute attempt to add the items that myself and others have been advocating for. Unfortunately, the vote came down to the same divide as the last board meeting. Eventually, the board passed the budget as proposed.

While this marks the end of the annual budget process, it also marks the start of the new fiscal and academic year. We need to continue to build momentum in the community, so please plan on attending the monthly board meetings. I'll also continue to post updates on what is happening with the District as well as the Better Schools, Brighter Futures Series that my collaborators and I are working on.

Please stay tuned!

My fellow advocates and I stand together ready to work however we can, at every level of the District, to ensure every child, in every school, has what they need to succeed.

Policy disagreements will surely arise as we walk this path—but walk it together we shall.

Will you join us?

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The meeting

I edited down the live stream of the meeting. I know its over an hour long (originally 4+ hours long) but its very much worth at least listening to. I've included not only the budget discussion but also parts about a contract for sports equipment that seemed worthwhile to keep in.

Message to the Board

Below is the message I sent to the all the members of the Board today:

Good afternoon Members of the Board,

Although yesterday's budget vote didn’t go exactly as I had hoped, I want to thank each of you for delivering well-reasoned, impassioned, and articulate arguments on behalf of our district. It may not have been how I imagined celebrating my 40th birthday, but I was honored to stand with you in support of our schools’ mission.

At the Meet Me at the Mall event, I heard Dr. Sims’s call for parents and community members to meet him halfway, and truly engage. It inspired me to rally my fellow parents and community members. Since then I've striven to challenge everyone to not simply point out what’s wrong; but to bring forward ideas and to roll up our collective sleeves to make things better.

I’m heartened that several civic organizations have already stepped up, attending meetings these past two days. While my top priority will always be my children and Alex II in the coming school year, I’m fully committed to collaborating with anyone who wants to help our entire district thrive. Since the budget hearing, I’ve received calls and messages from individuals, the Bibb County Democratic Committee, Macon Rising, local media, and other state and local community groups, all eager to lend a hand.

My fellow advocates and I stand together ready to work however we can, at every level of the District, to ensure every child, in every school, has what they need to succeed. Policy disagreements will surely arise as we walk this path—but walk it together we shall.

Please do not hesitate to let me know how I can be of service.

Very respectfully,

Kerry Hatcher

Contact me on Signal: kerryhatcher.03