CLARKESVILLE — The Habersham County Board of Education on Monday approved key leadership moves across the school system, naming a new assistant athletic director and a new elementary school principal as district leaders pointed to continued growth in both academics and athletics.
Superintendent Patrick Franklin said the decisions reflect both the expansion of programs and the need for additional leadership support across the district.
“We’ve probably had the most success athletically that we’ve ever had in a continued span of time across all our sports,” Franklin told board members. “With that success, adding new sports, we need some extra assistance.”
Harrison tapped as assistant athletic director
The board approved naming Habersham Central head football coach Benji Harrison as assistant athletic director, a role Franklin said will help support the district’s growing athletic programs.
Harrison, who has led the Raiders football program for 11 years, has guided the team to eight consecutive state playoff appearances, including Sweet 16 appearance in 2018 and a stellar campaign last season where the team played for a region title and hosted a home playoff game.
Franklin praised Harrison’s leadership both on and off the field, noting his involvement in the community and his support of student-athletes beyond football.
“I see him at all our sports,” Franklin said. “When we’ve had tragedy, you’ve been there. You’ve served our students.”
Harrison will continue as head football coach while taking on additional responsibilities assisting Athletic Director Geep Cunningham, particularly with game management and administrative duties.
Following the meeting, Harrison told Now Georgia he sees the new role as an opportunity to support the broader athletic program.
“It’s a great opportunity,” Harrison said. “This place means a lot to me. I’ve been here for 11 years, and it’s special to me. If it gives me the opportunity to be even more involved in other sports and help any way I can.”
He said the added role will help ease the growing demands on the athletic department.
“We need another set of eyes at games to help administer those events and take some of that burden off Coach Cunningham,” Harrison said. “Our sports continue to grow, and there are a lot of people coming to his office. If I can help take some of that pressure off and handle some of those situations, it will spread things out and make us more efficient.”
Cash named Woodville Elementary principal
The board also approved naming Kellie Cash as the new principal of Woodville Elementary School.
Cash currently serves as assistant principal at Demorest Elementary School and has worked in multiple roles across the district, including as a paraprofessional, teacher, academic coach and assistant principal.
Franklin said her experience at different levels of the school system and her leadership under veteran administrators have prepared her for the role.
“I know that Ms. Cash’s attitude and dedication to our students are going to serve that community well,” Franklin said. “I know the staff, students and community are going to be very happy.”
Following the meeting, Cash said she is eager to begin her new role while acknowledging the transition from her current school.
“I’m speechless and beyond excited to meet the students and families at Woodville,” Cash said. “It’s bittersweet to leave such an amazing staff at Demorest Elementary.”
Leadership tied to system growth
Franklin said the personnel moves come as the school system continues to expand programs and opportunities for students.
He pointed to growth in both athletics and fine arts, noting that about 4,000 students across the district are now participating in music programs.
“The decisions that you make affect thousands of students,” Franklin told board members. “And those decisions shape the educational opportunities of kids for many, many years down the road.”
