CLARKESVILLE — The Habersham County Board of Education voted Monday to sell 0.092 acres of land to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for a permanent easement in front of Clarkesville Elementary School on Highway 115. The land was sold for $5,200 to support road and bridge construction.
The measure passed 4-0, with Board Chair Russ Nelson abstaining. Nelson was involved in the evaluation process for the property.
During a work session Sept. 4, Assistant Superintendent David Leenman told the board GDOT requested a right-of-way acquisition of 0.092 acres for a permanent easement and 0.054 acres for a temporary easement at 6539 Highway 115.
“We have been working with the Georgia Department of Transportation as they begin to repair the bridge and road at Clarkesville Elementary,” Leenman said. “This is going to make it safer for our students leaving on buses every day.”
Leenman said he has been in regular communication with GDOT to limit daily disruptions to the school. He also emphasized that the school’s sign will not be affected during the construction.
Superintendent Patrick Franklin thanked GDOT for its partnership.
“They’ve been great to work with, and updating the bridge is a crucial priority,” Franklin said.
Recognizing excellence
During the recognition portion of the meeting, school counselor Christy Keef of the Habersham Ninth Grade Academy received the Extra Mile Award, sponsored by Peach State Federal Credit Union. Board member Dr. Robert Barron presented the award and praised Keef for consistently going above and beyond her role.
“Whether she’s offering a quiet check-in or responding in a moment of crisis, Keef meets students with empathy, calm, and care — ensuring they felt heard, supported and valued,” Barron said.
Barron added that it was a privilege to present the award, telling the audience that Keef had personally helped his grandson.
Peach State Federal Credit Union also sponsored the Service Above Self Award, which was presented to Cindy Richardson, bookkeeper at Clarkesville Elementary School.
“Mrs. Richardson not only meticulously handles the school budget but also takes on the enormous task of organizing student and teacher supplies,” Board member Joey Duncan said.
The final award of the night went to STEM teacher Jennifer Bonner of Level Grove Elementary, who received an Ag in the Classroom grant from Georgia Farm Bureau.
Bonner and fellow teachers established a farm garden for students. Georgia Farm Bureau’s Madison Bennett presented the award and said the grant helps programs like the garden grow and improve.
Level Grove Principal Aimee Shedd said the project has been a favorite among students.
“The students really love to cultivate the garden, but it does take a lot of resources and many of our teachers come out in the summertime when it’s really hot to help it get started,” Shedd said.
Superintendent’s report
In his report, Franklin noted that every fourth grader in the county attended Farm Day at the Chattahoochee Mountain Fair last week.
“It’s an amazing event every year, and we’re glad to be a part of it,” Franklin said. “We really give these kids an experience in agriculture, which is the number one economic driver in the state of Georgia.”
Franklin also commended the board for lowering the millage rate nearly 12 percent last month, down to 9.122 mills.
“I want to commend you,” Franklin said. “That millage is just over 9 and it’s one of the lowest I’ve ever seen. We’re providing our taxpayers with a high-quality education at a very low expense.”
He also presented trophies to schools with the best attendance for the first month of the school year. For students, Habersham Ninth Grade Academy and Baldwin Elementary School led the district. For staff, Habersham Central High School and Demorest Elementary School had the strongest attendance.
“Attendance is one of the keys to the success of our students,” Franklin said.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Oct. 6 at 6 p.m.
