Habersham County property owners will see a full millage rate rollback this year on their county tax bills. School Superintendent Patrick Franklin framed it as both a commitment to student success and respect for property owners.
The announcement drew wide applause during the Aug. 11 Board of Education meeting.
Franklin also reported a smooth start to the 2025–2026 school year, visiting all 14 district schools on opening day. During his report, he donned a paper crown from Fairview Elementary School, reading, “I rocked the first grade,” a gift from teacher Mrs. Willbanks.
He said the district served 8,841 meals and welcomed more than 7,000 students that day, noting enrollment numbers will shift over the next 10 days as attendance stabilizes.
Habersham Schools’ Chief Financial Officer Staci Newsome told board members “everything is looking good” as the district finalizes new initiatives for the year.
School attendance awards
With the start of the new school year, Superintendent Franklin briefly looked back, recognizing last year’s top attendance among students and staff. The top school in each category received a trophy.
Hazel Grove Elementary received top honors for elementary school student attendance with 95.54% in 2024-25. Woodville received the award for top elementary school staff attendance last year with 95.98% attendance.
Among the county’s secondary schools, South Habersham claimed top honors for student attendance with 95.6%. The Success Academy achieved top staff attendance at 95.87%.
Here’s a look at how the top three schools in each category performed:
Student Attendance – Elementary
Hazel Grove – 95.54%
Baldwin Elementary – 95.23%
Demorest Elementary – 95%
Staff Attendance – Elementary
Woodville – 95.98%
Fairview Elementary – 93.89%
Clarkesville Elementary – 93.87%
Student Attendance – Secondary Schools
South Habersham – 95.6%
Wilbanks – 95.21%
9th Grade Academy – 95%
Staff Attendance – Secondary Schools
Success Academy – 95.87%
Habersham Central – 95.01%
South Habersham – 94.42%
Educator recognitions
During the school board meeting, Peach State Federal Credit Union recognized two school employees for their outstanding service and dedication.
Dylan James, a visual arts educator at Ninth Grade Academy, received the Extra Mile Award. James was honored for creating and leading a school readiness program for rising Pre-K and kindergarten students. Planned and executed entirely on his own time, the workshop became one of the district’s most effective and well-attended events of its kind.
The Service Above Self Award went to Bob “Mr. B” Boyd, a special education paraprofessional at Woodville Elementary during the school year and Cornelia Elementary in the summer. Boyd was recognized for assisting students in class and at dismissal, as well as designing a mobility aid for children with physical challenges.
To view the school board meeting, click here.
