Friday March 29th, 2024 9:52AM

Habersham discusses allowing out-of-county students

CLARKESVILLE - Should the Habersham County School System make available spaces in its academic programs for those from other counties if those students' families are willing to pay tuition?

That was a question the Habersham County Board of Education discussed during a work session and called meeting this week.

Superintendent Matthew Cooper stressed the matter was for discussion only, and that he and system staff were not prepared to make a recommendation.

"Why are we looking at it?" Board Member Pat Taylor asked.

Chairman Robert Barron explained.

"The reason I was doing it is based on some other systems and if anybody wanted to come because of a situation where things were crumbling in a neighboring system," Barron said. "We still have AP programs, we're still teaching SAT/ACT courses - because their school system is having to shut those down. We're still teaching them, and if they want to come over here and go to our school system in order to get an education that they cannot get in their school system."

Board Member Don Corbett acknowledged the idea.

"That's a great point, Dr. B," Corbett said. "We've run into before where we've had AP classes that couldn't make because you don't have enough students," Corbett said.

Barron said he was just wanting to see if the idea is feasible.

"It may be that the research just comes out and says it can't be done," Barron said. "If it's a money matter, we may be surprised that the money matter is something that those parents are willing to pay to give their children an opportunity to get the quality of education that we're able to provide but their system is not."

Without naming the system, Barron said Stephens County school officials are saying it could be three years before their system is academically or financially stable again.

"They're having to shut down a lot of their programs," Barron said.

Cooper agreed, adding a shortened school year brought about by double-digit furlough days also is an issue with parents in that system.

"Not just that but the loss of instructional days - significant loss of instructional days," Cooper said. "I think that's one of the concerns of parents is their children are going to school 160 days or whatever compared to the full school year, and that's a significant difference."

Barron said some parents in Stephens County attended a recent gathering where they explored their options.

"Sone of these were parents who were serious about wanting to send their kids to the Naval Academy and to some of the big Ivy League schools and it was hurting them," Barron said. "They could well afford to send them over here."

In response to a question by Board Member Russ Nelson about how much Habersham County would have to charge, Chief Financial Officer Staci Newsome said the minimum tuition for an out-of-county student would be $2,219. Board members said they favor at least doubling that fee, with some suggesting even higher tuition.

Taylor commented openly about the plight of the Stephens County School System.

"So here now you've got this burden on all these people for the whole school system in that county, and I don't blame them for looking around 360 degrees for where they can get the best education for their child," Taylor said. "I would be doing the same thing. But doggone, at some point when people are ripping you off blind and all they do is let you go and force you out by resigning or whatever means and we feel the absolute necessity to come bail them out.

"It's not that I'm a cold-hearted whatever - it isn't that," Taylor said. "I do care, but if it's going to create another mess that we just got through with since I've been on the board and now we've come 360 degrees."

System officials said some courses at both the Habersham Ninth Grade Academy and the high school already are full for next year, meaning the system could have to hire additional personnel to accommodate out-of-county students if they're allowed.

Already, the Habersham Ninth Grade Academy is facing class size of 30-32 students across the board in science and social studies offerings for next school year, while the high school already is short three English classes for the students who need them.

"It would be difficult if we opened the floodgate, so to speak, to do it with existing staff," said Pam Dalton, director of secondary schools.

Citing his experience in business, Corbett said the system could market its available openings.

"Proceed with caution!" Taylor urged.

Corbett asked how Taylor would feel about charging $10,000 per year.

"I'll talk to you about that," Taylor said. "I want it well worth this system's time to take on any more burden."

Barron, who acknowledged the current crowding would be the system's biggest stumbling block now, said he asked for the discussion to gather information for some parents who asked him to check into the matter. He said the board needs to have a figure in mind "in case somebody comes knocking on the door."

Corbett asked about the competition.

"What is tuition at the closest private schools?" Corbett asked.

"A lot more than $10,000," Nelson said.

Corbett questioned whether a parent who would be willing to pay $10,000 a year for four years of high school would be worthwhile for the Habersham system.

No decision was reached to change the current policy of not accepting out-of-county students willing to pay tuition.

Cooper asked if the issue is something the board will continue to discuss.

"If something comes up and we really need to then we can bring it back up," Barron said. "I would hope for the best for the system that we're referring to, but I'd just really have liked for them not to get into the situation."

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  • Associated Tags: Habersham County Board of Education, tuition, out-of-county students
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