Joseph L Duncan

The meeting included several recognitions, such as presenting the Peach State Federal Credit Union Extra Mile Award to a special education teacher and the Service Above Self Award to a special education bus driver. Habersham EMC presented a proclamation thanking the school system for support during Winter Storm Fern. Winners of the School Bus Safety Poster Contest were celebrated. Key business items involved discussion of placing the ESPLOST referendum on the May 19, 2026 ballot, presentation of the financial report, and recognition of staff assistance during Winter Storm Fern. The Board unanimously approved the consent agenda, including field trip requests and personnel recommendations for certified system administrators, while also accepting numerous retirements and resignations across various positions and approving transfers for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. Additionally, the Board approved the January 2026 financial reports, the FY27 Budget Calendar, the ESPLOST Referendum Resolution, the Surplus Property List, and the donation of surplus school buses to Habersham County Emergency Services.

The work session included a presentation from Mauldin & Jenkins regarding financial, SPLOST, and federal reviews. The facilities report was presented, covering the transportation department's surplus property, which is slated for approval during a subsequent regular monthly meeting. A presentation was also delivered regarding the Counseling Program. The Board entered and exited Executive Session for Personnel and Real Estate reasons, with no action taken during the Executive Session.

The work session agenda was accepted as presented. Key discussions included a facilities report presented by David Leenman, Staci Newsome, and Denise Gunn. Superintendent Franklin, along with Staci Newsome, David Leenman, and Denise Gunn, discussed the ESPLOST Renewal. Information regarding the FY 27 Budget Calendar was shared by Staci Newsome. The Board unanimously voted to enter and subsequently exit an Executive Session for Personnel and Real Estate reasons, though no action was taken during that session. The session concluded with the Board unanimously agreeing to adjourn.

The Work Session agenda was accepted by the Board. Key discussions included a facilities report presented by David Leenman, Staci Newsome, and Denise Gunn, and information regarding Family Connection presented by Superintendent Franklin. A Technology Presentation was delivered by Jennifer Rider and Calter Moore. The Board voted to enter and subsequently exit an Executive Session for Personnel and Real Estate reasons, during which no action was taken.

The meeting commenced with the election of the Board Chairperson for 2026, resulting in Joey Duncan being elected, and the election of Russ Nelson as the Board Vice Chairperson for 2026. Key recognitions included the presentation of the Peach State Federal Credit Union Extra Mile Award to Jamie Smith and the Service Above Self Award to April Morganfield for exemplary dedication to a Deaf student and family. The Superintendent's report celebrated the Scripps Spelling Bee Champion, provided an update on the Habersham Works workforce program, confirmed a school resource officer in every school, and acknowledged staff/student attendance awards for December 2025. The report also announced the upcoming retirement of Daphne Penick, Principal of South Habersham Middle School. The Board unanimously approved personnel recommendations, including several retirements and resignations, approved field trip requests, approved the December 2025 financial reports, approved HEMC as a Bandwidth provider under the ERate Program, and approved the Habersham County Family Connection Fiscal Agent Designation for FY 27.