CLARKESVILLE — Habersham County Schools earned a top financial rating for the third consecutive year and heard updates Thursday on facilities and transportation projects during the Board of Education’s November work session.
Audit Shows Three Straight Years Without Findings
Ryan Jones, a partner with Mauldin & Jenkins, presented the district’s annual audit, reporting that Habersham County Schools once again received an unmodified opinion — the highest level of assurance auditors can issue — and had no findings for the third year in a row.
Jones said the district’s general fund reserve stands at about $13.6 million, a healthy balance within state guidelines, and credited the district’s finance staff for maintaining organized and transparent records. He also encouraged the board to consider a cybersecurity review to further protect sensitive data.
Superintendent Patrick Franklin praised Chief Financial Officer Staci Newsome and her team for their diligence.
“Not having a finding is huge,” Franklin said. “It goes back to the hard work of our staff, from the finance office down to our bookkeepers and teachers following procedures and policies. The guidance you’ve given us has put us in good financial standing now and for the future.”
Newsome credited her staff and school bookkeepers for their role in the clean audit.
“As a school district, we really emphasize making sure that our people understand why they’re doing what they’re doing,” she said. “Each of our specialists is an expert in their area, and that lends itself to these wonderful audits. It’s a team effort, and even though we don’t see students every day, what we do affects them.”
She also commended bookkeeper trainer Angie Anderson and finance staff member Lisa Harris for their support.
Performing Arts Center Upgrades Nears Completion
Assistant Superintendent David Leenman reported that the district’s only remaining major facilities project — the Performing Arts Center at Habersham Central High School, which has been undergoing upgrades — is nearing completion.
“The stage lighting has been completed,” Leenman said. “We’re now working with the vendor to install custom aisle lighting that will guide guests safely to their seats. That’s the last remaining piece, and it’s custom made.”
Board Chair Russ Nelson asked whether earlier sound equipment concerns had been resolved.
“As far as I know, Mr. Chair, yes,” Leenman said. “We’ve had a couple of community events out there in the last several months, and I’ve heard good feedback on how everything sounded. We’ve also got another event coming up.”
Once the lighting installation is finished, the center will mark the completion of one of the district’s largest ongoing capital projects.
District to Surplus 28 Buses, Two Fleet Vehicles
Leenman also reported that 28 school buses and two fleet vehicles have reached the end of their service life and are being recommended as surplus.
“These are all inoperable — many are already missing parts that have been used to keep other buses running, or they have mechanical issues that are too expensive or not cost efficient to repair,” he said.
Each vehicle includes a written explanation of why it is being declared surplus. The district is exploring disposal options through local auctioneers or GovDeals.com, pending board approval at its regular meeting Nov. 10.
