Habersham BOE to vote on Hazel Grove funding application

CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — The Habersham County Board of Education will vote Monday on whether to pursue state capital outlay funding that could help pay for a major renovation project at Hazel Grove Elementary School.

The board’s Oct. 5 regular meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Habersham County Schools administrative office. The proposed FY 2028 State Capital Outlay Project Application is listed as a business item on the agenda.

The potential Hazel Grove project was discussed in detail during the board’s Sept. 29 work session. Assistant Superintendent David Leenman told the board the district has established a need for renovations that would include restrooms, classrooms, administrative areas, HVAC and roof replacement. The Georgia Department of Education has reviewed the project, and state funding could be available if the district proceeds.

Leenman emphasized that Monday’s vote would be on the application and would not commit the school system to completing the renovation. Rather, approval would preserve a potential funding avenue while the district continues evaluating the project.

If approved, the application would make $741,807 available toward the project should the district ultimately decide to move forward. Leenman said the earliest possible start date under the capital outlay timeline would be April 1, 2027, with the potential project window extending through Aug. 1, 2029. Those dates are tied to the state application and do not represent a firm construction schedule.

Several factors would still have to be addressed before the district commits to the project, including supplies, vendor availability and the availability of funding. Facilities Director Denise Gunn also told the board that the project could later be removed from consideration with another board vote.

Superintendent Patrick Franklin said pursuing state funding could reduce the amount the district would ultimately have to fund locally for needed improvements at the school.

The capital outlay discussion comes as the district continues planning a separate major project to replace playgrounds at all eight elementary schools. Leenman reported during the Sept. 29 work session that the district has posted its request for proposals and is moving toward site visits and a competitive selection process. Proposals are due Oct. 27, with the district hoping to bring a recommendation to the board in November.

Other business on Monday’s agenda

The board also will consider personnel recommendations and the district’s financial report as business items. The agenda lists both items for approval following the superintendent’s report.

The meeting will begin with approval of the agenda and minutes from the Sept. 10 work session and Sept. 14 regular meeting. The board also is scheduled to recognize recipients of the Peach State Federal Credit Union Extra Mile Award and Service Above Self Award, as well as Sheriff Robin Krockum and Carson Crane, who is being recognized for his work with the Superintendent Woods Student Council Advisory.

Public comment will follow the recognitions, with the financial report and superintendent’s report scheduled before the consent agenda. The consent agenda includes per diems from the September meetings and field trip requests.