The Dawson County Board of Education was given a surprise donation during its June 2 meeting.

Acting upon the wishes of the estate of Pauline Ivey, a Cumming resident with close Dawson County ties who passed away last year, Betty Ann Bagley gave a donation of $400,000 to the board to go toward the school system's art program.

"I can remember taking art classes with Pauline's daughter, Frances," said board member Roger Slaton, who helped facilitate the donation. "The Iveys were always good to me and I tried to be good to them in return, so I guess she remembered us."

The money is to be split up, with $300,000 earmarked for a performing arts center and $100,000 being split up among the schools for art supplies.

The school system is estimating that each school will receive $2,000 a year per school for supplies.

"The money will be given a special designation in the budget and closely managed," said Dawson County school system Director of Finances Jamie Ulrich.