CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — The Habersham County Board of Education is expected to receive its year-end financial report and consider the purchase of 500 Chromebooks when it meets Monday evening Aug. 10.
The board’s regular meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Habersham County Board of Education office.
Chief Financial Officer Staci Newsome is scheduled to present the district’s June financial report after it was tabled last month to allow the finance department to complete fiscal year-end closing procedures.
When requesting the delay during the board’s July meeting, Newsome told board members the additional time was part of the district’s normal year-end process.
Among the action items, board members are expected to consider approving the purchase of 500 Chromebooks for seven schools at a cost of $241,555.
Assistant Superintendent David Leenman told the board during Thursday’s work session the devices are needed to comply with Georgia’s distraction-free learning law, which prohibits students from bringing personal laptops and similar devices to school. The purchase would be funded through ESPLOST proceeds and provide devices for Cornelia Elementary, North Habersham Middle, South Habersham Middle, H.A. Wilbanks Middle, Habersham Ninth Grade Academy, Habersham Success Academy and Habersham Central High School.
The recommended vendor is Princeton IT Services after the original low bidder withdrew during the district’s vetting process.
The board also is expected to give final approval to a revised employee leave and absences policy that updates district leave provisions to reflect current state law and Board of Education practices. Among the changes are expanded paid parental leave benefits, the addition of maternal birth leave required under Georgia law and an unpaid medical leave provision for eligible employees.
Personnel recommendations also are scheduled for consideration.
During Thursday’s work session, administrators told board members the district is fully prepared for the start of the new school year after approximately 90% of families attended open houses across the system.
The board heard updates on transportation, school safety and back-to-school preparations during the work session but took no formal action.
Monday’s meeting is open to the public.
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