CLARKESVILLE — The Habersham County Board of Education will consider a stadium lighting upgrade at Habersham Central High School and a major upgrade to the school system’s bus radio communications when it meets Monday night.
The board is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. Monday, March 16, at the Habersham County Schools Board Office.
Both items were previewed during last week’s work session, where Assistant Superintendent David Leenman provided additional details to Now Georgia about the proposals.
Stadium lighting upgrade
One of the key items on the agenda is approval of a lighting upgrade for Raider Stadium at Habersham Central High School.
Leenman said the district hopes to have the new lighting installed before graduation, which is scheduled in just over six weeks.
“The goal is to have the new lighting in place for graduation,” Leenman told Now Georgia, noting the ceremony is only 43 days away.
If approved, the project would modernize the stadium lighting system ahead of one of the school system’s largest annual events.
Bus radio system upgrade
The board will also consider approving the purchase of a new bus radio communication system designed to improve coverage across the county.
If approved, the district would spend about $814,000 — funded primarily through SPLOST revenue — to install 194 new radios across the school system’s transportation fleet.
Leenman said the upgrade would significantly improve communication between bus drivers and the transportation department, particularly in rural parts of Habersham County.
“The old radio system left us with many dead spots throughout the county, particularly in the Batesville area,” he said. “This new system takes us from 63% coverage to 97% coverage.”
Student and staff recognitions
Before turning to regular business, the board will recognize several students and staff members for recent accomplishments.
Among them are Habersham County students selected for the Georgia All-State Band and Chorus, one of the highest honors for student musicians in the state. Students from Habersham Central High School and the county’s three middle schools earned All-State honors this year through a competitive statewide audition process.
Students who qualify perform in special statewide ensembles during the Georgia Music Educators Association All-State events held last month in Athens.
The board will also recognize Kelly Gunn, a paraprofessional at Fairview Elementary School, along with recipients of the Peach State Federal Credit Union’s Extra Mile Award and Service Above Self Award.
Other business
In addition to the equipment and facilities items, the board will also consider routine matters including personnel recommendations, the financial report, and appointments of delegates to the Georgia School Boards Association.
The agenda also includes a proposed one-year extension of Superintendent Patrick Franklin’s contract and approval of the district’s 2026 lawn maintenance contract.
