CLEVELAND, Ga. — Habersham County school leaders on Thursday outlined a wide-ranging five-year capital plan tied to the renewal of the district’s Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or ESPLOST VII, telling board members the measure is key to maintaining low property taxes while preparing for growth.
The Habersham County Board of Education met for a strategic planning session at the Pioneer RESA building. No votes were taken. The agenda included ESPLOST, facility planning, a review of the district’s strategic plan and an executive session for personnel and real estate matters.
The ESPLOST renewal will appear on the May 19 ballot. If approved, collections would begin Jan. 1, 2028, and run through Dec. 31, 2032.
Superintendent Patrick Franklin stressed repeatedly that the measure is a renewal, not a new tax.
“It’s not a new tax,” Franklin said. “This is our one-penny sales tax for education.”
Low millage rate and regional comparisons
First approved by voters in 1999, ESPLOST is a 1-cent sales tax dedicated to school construction, capital improvements and debt service. Franklin described it as a consumption-based tax that spreads the burden beyond property owners.
“Anyone who eats, shops or visits helps educate our children,” he said.
Chief Financial Officer Staci Newsome told board members that without ESPLOST revenue, the district would likely face pressure to raise its millage rate to fund major capital needs.
At 9.122 mills, Habersham County Schools has the fourth-lowest millage rate in Northeast Georgia, behind Rabun, Fannin and Towns counties. In contrast, Jackson County’s school millage rate stands at 15.324, the highest in the region.
Board Vice-Chair Russ Nelson said Jackson County has recently issued approximately $200 million in bonds.
“Jackson County has just started hitting them with two times in payment,” Nelson said, referring to bond obligations in addition to regular school taxes.
Franklin echoed the comparison.
“If you look at the growth in Jackson County, they just took out the last several months $200 million of bonds,” he said. “They’re not paying for those bonds via this penny. They’re paying for it with taxpayer money.”
Franklin praised the board for maintaining what he described as a strong balance between academic performance and tax restraint.
“Y’all have kept the millage rate extremely low while providing a wonderful product,” Franklin said. “You’re getting the best product in Northeast Georgia with the fourth-lowest millage rate. That’s a great deal.”
Assistant Superintendent David Leenman added that Habersham is the only school system in Georgia with both a Governor’s Office of Student Achievement score above 81 and a millage rate under 10.
“If you put all that on a graph, we’re the top right, which is where you should be,” Leenman said.
Franklin noted that, depending on enrollment figures, Habersham is the second-largest school system in North Georgia outside of Hall County, operating 14 schools.
Playground construction driven by new state standards
One of the largest proposed bond projects within the renewal would fund new playgrounds at each of the district’s eight elementary schools.
Maintenance Director Denise Gunn said the plan calls for three playgrounds per school — one each for grades K-1, 2-3 and 4-5 — for a total of 24 playgrounds.
The initiative is tied in part to House Bill 371, signed into law last year by Gov. Brian Kemp. The legislation establishes minimum statewide standards for elementary school playgrounds, including requirements for shade, accessibility and safety.
“State law changed last year,” Gunn said. “You have to have so much shade.”
Proposed designs include poured rubber surfacing instead of wood chips, inclusive play equipment, shade structures and age-specific equipment heights. Gunn said the poured rubber allows playgrounds to dry quickly after rain and improves safety.
Design concepts also reflect Habersham County’s outdoor character, incorporating natural aesthetics while meeting accessibility requirements for students of varying abilities.
Safety and technology upgrades
The Board also discussed transportation and communication improvements tied to ESPLOST.
Franklin outlined a potential GPS-based bus tracking system that would allow students to scan badges when boarding. Parents could monitor buses in real time and receive notification when their child boards or exits.
Rabun County has already implemented a similar system, Franklin said, and Habersham is studying it.
In addition, the district is preparing to transition to the county’s new radio communication system. Franklin said current coverage across the county is about 67%, with limited connectivity inside school buildings. The new system would provide 97% coverage, including within facilities.
The conversion is expected to cost approximately $800,000 and would equip more than 100 buses, along with portable and fixed units at schools.
“You don’t want your drivers on one system, police on one and EMS on one,” Franklin said. “You want them all on the same.”
Maintenance officials also plan to expand “Logic Controls” HVAC systems across campuses. The system allows staff to monitor heating and air units remotely, improving response times and reducing peak energy costs.
“It lowers our electrical bills,” Gunn said, adding that it also creates more consistent classroom temperatures.
Performing arts and growth planning
At Habersham Central High School, ESPLOST funds would complete lighting and sound upgrades in the Performing Arts Center. Floor lighting is being replaced due to a manufacturer sizing issue, and future improvements may include projection screens and enhanced audio systems.
Franklin said early planning is critical as growth continues in Habersham County.
“I do not want to see students in overcrowded classrooms or mobile units,” he said. “I went to school in some mobile units. It’s not safe. We’re not going to have it.”
School leaders said holding the referendum well in advance of the 2028 collection period allows the board to plan responsibly for future needs and enrollment growth.
Habersham County voters will decide the ESPLOST renewal on May 19.
