Bibb County is a step closer to crowning the 2012-2013 teacher of the year.

At a Thursday meeting, board members recognized and congratulated the teacher of the year for each school, then five finalists for the district-wide title were announced.

They are Nadirah Mayweather from Bloomfield Middle School, Christopher Kirby from Central High School, Tara Jones-Lawrence from Northeast High School, Julia Manard of Rutland High School, and Katie Wall from Westside High School.

The candidates will now be interviewed by a selection committee, and the final winner will be announced at a gala on November 8.