CLARKESVILLE — The Habersham County Board of Education unanimously approved several facility improvement projects Monday night while hearing what district officials described as another strong monthly financial report ahead of next week’s Habersham Central graduation.
Among the items approved were interior painting projects at North Habersham Middle School and Cornelia Elementary School, along with a new band tower for Habersham Central High School and the district’s 2026 sprinkler inspection services contract.
The new band tower at Habersham Central is expected to cost slightly more than $100,000 and will be funded through SPLOST VI revenues. District facilities and maintenance crews are expected to assist contractors with several of the summer projects.
Chief Financial Officer Staci Newsome told board members the school system remains in solid financial condition through the first 10 months of the fiscal year.
“We are in the financial shape,” Newsome said as she concluded her presentation Monday night.
According to Newsome, the district has received about $89.7 million in revenue through April 30, representing roughly 86% of the general fund budget. That compares to about $86 million collected during the same period last year.
Expenditures totaled approximately $92.95 million through April, or about 85% of the district’s budget, compared to roughly $83 million at the same point in fiscal year 2025.
Newsome noted the district absorbed several unfunded mandates during the year but said local revenues remained strong.
Property tax collections were nearly identical to last year at approximately $19.95 million, while ESPLOST collections totaled about $9.06 million — an increase of roughly $261,000 over the same period last year.
Newsome also highlighted the district’s spending priorities, telling board members about 71% of expenditures are directly tied to classroom instruction and instructional support services.
She additionally reported the governor-approved supplement approved by the board earlier this spring was paid to employees April 15.
Superintendent Patrick Franklin used his monthly report to focus on the district’s upcoming graduation ceremonies, which are scheduled for next Friday night at Raider Stadium.
“We’re graduating so many and losing very few,” Franklin told board members.
Franklin said approximately 500 seniors are expected to graduate this week and encouraged residents to visit the high school to see the annual tradition of senior photographs displayed along the fence line near the stadium.
“I see families out there every night,” Franklin said. “It’s just really something special to see.”
Franklin also encouraged residents to participate in the upcoming May 19 elections, reminding the public that early voting is already underway.
“I ask everyone to do their civic duty and go vote,” Franklin said.
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