CLARKESVILLE — The Habersham County Board of Education approved a series of facility, equipment and personnel-related items Monday night, including a stadium lighting upgrade and an $814,000 investment in a new bus radio system.
All items on the agenda were approved without objection during the board’s March 16 meeting.
Lighting, radio upgrades move forward
Among the key approvals was a lighting upgrade for Raider Stadium at Habersham Central High School. District leaders have said they hope to have the new lighting installed in time for graduation, which is just weeks away.
The board also approved the purchase of 194 new bus radios at a cost of approximately $814,000, funded primarily through SPLOST revenue.
Assistant Superintendent David Leenman previously told Now Georgia the upgrade will significantly improve communication across the county, increasing coverage from 63% to 97% and eliminating dead zones, particularly in the Batesville area.
Financial report, audit show system in strong position
Chief Financial Officer Staci Newsome reported the school system remains on solid financial footing through the first eight months of the fiscal year.
As of Feb. 28, the district had received $71.9 million, or 61% of its budgeted revenue, while spending totaled $72.6 million, or 68% of expenditures.
“Nothing alarming at this point,” Newsome told board members.
Local revenue collections remain strong, including nearly $18.8 million in property tax revenue, which accounts for 88% of the budgeted amount. Education local option sales tax (ELOST) collections and other revenue streams are also tracking close to projections.
Newsome also presented results from the district’s annual independent audit, which found no material weaknesses, deficiencies or compliance issues.
The audit, conducted by Alden & Jenkins, resulted in an unmodified opinion — the highest level of assurance — indicating the district’s financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with accounting standards.
Franklin contract extended through 2029
Board members also approved a one-year extension of Superintendent Patrick Franklin’s contract, which now runs through March 2029.
In his report to the board, Franklin also highlighted the upcoming May 19 vote on renewing the ELOST, a one-cent sales tax that has funded school improvements since 1999.
He emphasized the renewal is not a new tax and encouraged residents to learn more about how the funds would be used, including facility improvements and debt reduction.
