Habersham schools set to join countywide radio system

By: Brian Wellmeier

The Habersham County School District could soon update its radio system for buses and facilities to significantly improve communication and student safety.

The upgrade would allow the school system to join Habersham County’s existing radio network, enabling schools, buses and other government agencies to communicate on the same system during potential emergencies or day-to-day operations.

Approval of the item would permit the purchase 131 radios for school buses and 63 handheld radios from technology company L3Harris at a total cost of just over $813,000. Habersham County’s government fully implemented the new 911 radio system in 2025 after years of planning.

“As one of the largest subscribers, we wanted to wait to make sure everything (countywide) is operating,” Assistant Superintendent David Leenman said during a work session Thursday, March 12. “The new system is at 95% confirmed coverage, and compares to 64% under the previous radio system. That will allow for coverage inside the school buildings, but also on some of those more rural roads.”

Officials described the upgrade as a long-needed improvement. Planning for the project began four to five years ago, and the purchase could be approved by the Habersham County Board of Education on Monday, March 16.

According to school leaders, the district’s current radio equipment is more than 20 years old.

“Let’s talk about just our buildings,” Superintendent Patrick Franklin said Thursday. “We’re talking about buses today, but many of our buildings now do not have (radio) coverage…this makes our kids safer all the way around by being on the same page. I’m very excited about the level of coverage, not just on roads, but in our actual facilities too.”

If approved, installation of the new system could begin in the coming months and be completed by August.

Board members are expected to approve the item during a regular meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, March 16.