Habersham County’s public school Special Education students are making significant strides in the classroom. School superintendent Matthew Cooper says state studies show their “graduation event rate” has increased “from 37.3% to 78.9%” in the fiscal years between 2012 and 2015.
Some Special Education students receive diplomas, others receive certificates of completion.
Cooper recognized Habersham County Special Education Director, Jill Maxwell, while presenting the good news to the school board on Monday. He added, the numbers reflect “great leadership and team effort.” In addition, Habersham’s Special Education dropout rate during that same time frame decreased “from 19 to 7.”
In other school news…
Cooper announced that the school system contracts with the Georgia School Board Association for an evaluation of the system’s official “Policies” listed on the school system’s web site. He said that, after an evaluation, “no major changes were needed” to make the policies comply with state law, he said. The association’s findings are posted at the web site www.habershamschools.com.
Board members heard Monday night from South Habersham Middle School principal, Daphne Penick and Habersham Central High School principal Wesley McGee about their students named to a state advisory council by the State School Superintendent (see separate story).
Habersham’s Financial Director Staci Newsome presented a report, “with 25% of the year complete.” Most areas of revenue for the school system showed collection of 25% of anticipated revenue, she said, but expenses for the entire system are “at 25.48%.” Newsome said, though, that “we’re in good shape” financially, because “tax revenue becomes larger each month,” and the system has financial reserves “to meet costs until we receive all of our revenue,” she added.
The Board of Education was introduced, by Stephanie Walker, to fourth grader Ansley Barron, who won the system-wide School Bus Safety poster contest. Ansley showed her poster to board members, with its statement that bullying is not allowed on school buses. She attends Clarkesville Elementary School, where her art teacher is LaDonna Canup.
Board members also welcomed Geep Cunningham, county Athletic Director, who introduced members of the middle school softball team. That team, he said, “won their league” with a 7-1 record, and also “won first place in their season.” We’re “very proud of them,” he added.
Several other teachers, students and principals introduced their schools’ successful programs. Look for upcoming feature stories on them here on nowhabersham.com.
