CLARKESVILLE — The Habersham County Board of Education recognized students, staff and teachers for outstanding achievements Monday night while approving all agenda items unanimously during its Nov. 10 regular meeting.
The board opened the meeting by presenting the Peach State Federal Credit Union Extra Mile Award to Bruce Hilliard of Level Grove Elementary School. Board Chair Russ Nelson praised Hilliard for creating elaborate educational displays that align with Georgia Standards and celebrate cultural and historical events.
“Mr. Hilliard goes above and beyond,” Nelson said. “He brings Georgia standards and celebrations to life through a variety of exhibits in the Level Grove Elementary School display case.”
Nelson highlighted Hilliard’s current Hispanic Heritage Month display, noting that “40% of our school families identify as Hispanic.”
Hilliard’s exhibits, which have also featured Black History Month, local history, President Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday and other themes, “bring beauty, joy and pride to the school,” Nelson said.
The board next recognized Habersham Central High School junior Emily Martinez, who was selected from 1,235 applicants to serve on State Superintendent Richard Woods’ 2025–26 Student Advisory Council.
“Seventy-nine students from across the state were chosen, and Emily is one of them,” HCHS Principal Adam Bagwell said. “This is a big deal… We’re very grateful and very fortunate to have a student of Emily’s caliber representing Habersham Central High School on the Student Advisory Council.”
Superintendent Patrick Franklin added: “Emily, you are a shining example of the students we have in our school system. As superintendent, I couldn’t be prouder of you.”
The board also honored Level Grove Elementary second grader Emma Jones and ESOL teacher Kathryn Ballard for saving a kindergarten student who began choking during breakfast.
Level Grove Principal Aimee Shedd said Jones immediately called for help, allowing Ballard to respond.
“Ms. Ballard acted quickly and confidently,” Shedd said. “Her calm, decisive action and training turned what could have been a tragedy into a moment that reminds us of what it truly means to care for one another.”
Shedd called both Jones and Ballard “heroes in every sense of the word.”
Financial report
District CFO Staci Newsome presented the monthly financial report, noting that revenue collections are slightly behind last year while expenditures are trending somewhat higher—patterns she said were anticipated in the district’s budgeting plan.
The district has collected 26.2% of its budgeted revenue so far, or $26.8 million, compared to 27.5% at this point last year. Expenditures stand at 34.8%, or $36.2 million.
“Revenue is a little low, expenses a little high,” Newsome said. “This was actually planned.”
Newsome said 65.59% of general fund spending goes directly to student instruction. She also reported that ELOST VI expenditures continue to be driven largely by school mortgage payments.
She praised employee participation in open enrollment.
“We had 94% of our employees participate — that’s phenomenal,” she said.
Newsome also announced that November payroll will be issued early, on Friday, Nov. 21, ahead of Thanksgiving break.
Superintendent’s report
Franklin reported that the district celebrated Georgia Pre-K Week across its seven Pre-K classrooms, which serve about 140 four-year-olds.
“These teachers do an amazing job,” Franklin said. “This really highlights the critical role that early childhood education plays in preparing students for success.”
Franklin thanked State Sen. Bo Hatchett, who visited Fairview Elementary to read to students and answer questions. He also noted that a Georgia Pre-K representative visiting the district “has done nothing but brag on our teachers and staff.”
Franklin closed by reminding families that Habersham Central High School will host a state playoff football game Friday night against Statesboro High.
“We’re very excited about that,” he said. He reminded the public that GHSA playoff rules require fans to purchase tickets, which cost $10. Regular passes will not be accepted.
“It’ll be a wonderful event,” Franklin said. “The weather looks great — not like it is right now.”
Board actions
The board unanimously approved:
• The meeting agenda
• Minutes from the October work session and regular meeting
• The consent agenda, including per diems and field trip requests
• Personnel recommendations
• The monthly financial report
• A surplus property list from the Transportation Department
