CLARKESVILLE — The Habersham County Board of Education is expected to finalize the school system’s fiscal year 2027 budget Monday night while also considering facility improvement projects, service contracts and personnel recommendations during its regular monthly meeting.
The meeting follows the board’s third and final public hearing on the proposed FY27 budget, scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Habersham County Board of Education central office.
Chief Financial Officer Staci Newsome is slated to present the proposed budgets for all district funds before the board considers final approval later in the evening as part of the regular meeting agenda.
School leaders began discussing the FY27 budget process last month, warning that uncertainty surrounding state revenues, federal funding and broader economic conditions could affect long-term planning. District officials also pointed to continued pressure from rising operational and personnel costs.
In April, Newsome reported the district remained financially stable heading into the final quarter of FY26, with approximately $80.8 million in general fund revenue collected and expenditures totaling roughly $81.4 million at that time.
The board previously voted to opt out of Georgia’s floating homestead exemption legislation, a move expected to help preserve local property tax revenues that support school operations.
Alongside the budget vote, board members are expected to consider several operational and capital improvement items, including interior painting projects at North Habersham Middle School and Cornelia Elementary School, a proposed band tower at Habersham Central High School and contracts for pest management, waste management and sprinkler inspection services.
The board also is expected to consider approval of a vendor for the school nutrition department and participation in the Summer Food Service Program Happy Helpings initiative.
Personnel recommendations and the conferral of a high school diploma for an HB 91 student also are on the agenda.
Prior to the business portion of the meeting, the board plans to recognize recipients of the Peach State Federal Credit Union Extra Mile Award and Service Above Self Award.
Officials also will recognize Level Grove Elementary School for earning the 2026 ASCA Student Council School of Excellence Award.
Superintendent Patrick Franklin is also expected to highlight the graduation ceremony for the district’s Aspiring Principals Academy during his report to the board.
The meeting agenda also includes approval of meeting minutes, financial reports, field trip requests and the appointment of Annabelle Wiley to the Habersham County Library Board.
