Each week journalists Leah Fleming and Charles Richardson of the Telegraph get together to talk about issues on the minds of Middle Georgians. Scroll down to watch the video of the discussion. Here is a summary of what they covered.

Hot topic #1
Bibb County Schools has selected a new permanent leader. Board members voted 6-1 to hire Curtis Jones, ending a two year search.

Jones comes to Bibb County by way of Griffin-Spalding County, where he has served as superintendent since 2009.

What does he have to do on day one? Charles Richardson says Jones will take some time to assess the situation and the people that are around him. “The school system is one of the largest organizations in Bibb County. It’s not just the top that’s got a problem. It is a systemic problem throughout the system. There is a reason why we have 14 schools on the governor’s list of failing schools.”

Hot topic #2
The state of GA will now ban the box!

Gov. Nathan Deal recently signed an executive order banning the state from requiring job seekers to disclose their criminal histories on a job application.
The order instead requires state employers to provide applicants an opportunity to discuss their past offenses, as well as their efforts to rehabilitate themselves, in an interview.

"People with criminal records suffer from pervasive discrimination in many areas of life including employment, housing, education, and eligibility for many forms of social service benefits," the order reads. "Requiring prospective employees of the State of Georgia to disclose convictions on the initial employment application creates a barrier to employment."
The order notes that 97 percent of individuals sentenced to prison in Georgia will eventually be released, and that approximately 1,300 offenders return to society each month in the state.

Macon Bibb commissioners have been working to ban the box in Bibb County.

Hot topic #3
Mercer’s football and lacrosse home has a new name after the Five Star Automotive Group made a multi-million dollar commitment to the school’s athletics department. Five Star Stadium, formerly Mercer University Stadium, is now the new name. What does it mean for the community? Charles Richardson says competing in major college athletics takes money. "Now mercer is going to have the money to compete through scholarships. This will give Mercer a leg up on recruiting challenges."

The difference will be seen on the football field, lacross, basketball and fields too.

Tags: Leah Fleming, Macon&Eggs. Telegraph of Macon