By Marcia Barnes
Staff Writer
Before the 2025/2026 budget numbers were announced by Chief Financial Officer Shelley Hollingsworth, recognition due to Hayesville High School students was handed out beginning with Olivia Ware receiving her high school diploma.
Sophomore Reece Segers was named Smoky Mountain Conference Soccer Player of the Year. Segers had scored half of the teams’ goals and Coach Mike White said that the athlete had great vision and as team captain was always pushing teammates to do the right thing.
Freshman Micalynn McClure was recognized as the 2025 Smoky Mountain Conference Softball All-Conference Player. High School Principal Stacey Overlin said that McClure is a multi-sport athlete who is really impressive, works extremely hard and is always at practice.
Overlin moved on to recognize scholastic high scores in ACT tests and said, “Some numbers coming in just jumped off the page at us.” Juniors Lily Anderson, Ann Gibson, Grace Gibson and Will Jennings scored in the 93rd percentile of those taking the ACT. Overlin added that they were serious about the test and asked to have student led prep sessions.
Then, Hollingsworth presented a balanced 2025/2026 budget to the board on what was the last fiscal day of the school year. In the Local Current Expense Fund, the original budgeted Clay County appropriation of $1,873,040 was revised to $1,918,164. Revenues and expenditures balanced with the greatest outlay of funds for Operational Support Services of $945,075.37 and second greatest expenditure of $395,195.46 for Policy, Leadership and Public Relations Services.
In Federal Grants Fund Revenues, the original budgeted $137,530.53 was reduced in the revised total of $1,216,157.92. The three highest expenditures being $573,565.27 for Alternative Programs Services; $414,813.86, Special Populations Services and $157,869.76, Regular Instructional Services.
Revenues reflected in the State Public School Fund total $13,980,365.91 with 14 school expenditures and the highest expenditure, $7,437,373.26 for Regular Instructional Services. Special Populations Services expenditure totaled $1,637,517.40 and Operational Support Services, $1,411,701.86.
School Food Service Fund Revenues of $1,397,459.16 coming from State Reimbursements of $1,675.37, Federal Reimbursements/Grants of $903,572.46 and Sales of $280,000, along with Other Local/Miscellaneous Revenue, Appropriated Fund Balance and Interfund Transfer match the 2025/2026 Expenditures. Currently, Clay County Schools offer free breakfast and lunch to all students.
Hollingsworth’s report on the budget was approved and signed by board members. A complete summary will be available to the public on the school website following completion of the audit.
The next regular board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, July 28.