Habersham BOE to hold work session, budget hearing Thursday

CLARKESVILLE — The Habersham County Board of Education will meet Thursday for a work session followed by its first public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget.
Both meetings are scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

During the work session, board members will receive a facilities report from David Leenman, Staci Newsome and Denise Gunn, along with a discussion on BussRight led by Marty Miller. The agenda also includes a strategic plan progress report and athletic department presentation by Geep Cunningham, as well as a discussion on Gov. Brian Kemp’s one-time $2,000 pay supplement with Superintendent Patrick Franklin and Newsome. An executive session on personnel and real estate is also planned.

The BussRight system, which is expected to be discussed Thursday, was previously introduced during the board’s February strategic planning meeting as part of ongoing efforts to improve student transportation efficiency and communication with families. District leaders have tied technology upgrades like BussRight to broader growth planning and operational improvements.

Immediately following or in conjunction with the work session, the board will convene its first public hearing on the FY27 budget. The hearing will include a presentation of the proposed budgets for all funds by Newsome, followed by an opportunity for public comment before adjournment.

The budget hearing marks the first opportunity for the public to weigh in on the school system’s proposed spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year. Additional hearings and a final vote are expected in the coming weeks.