In a presentation held at Lakeside High School on Tuesday night, the Columbia County School District emphasized the significance of renewing the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (E-SPLOST).
The E-SPLOST is a one-cent sales tax on consumer goods that generates funds for the construction of new schools, renovation of existing facilities and the purchase of technology and school buses.
Voting to renew the E-SPLOST for 2027
The current E-SPLOST cycle runs from 2022-2027, and the proposed renewal would cover the 2027-2032 cycle.
Why vote for the renewal of the tax now, if the current cycle won’t end for several more years?
According to the district’s website, approval in November of 2024 would ensure that the penny would continue to be collected and there would not be gaps in the district’s ability to fund identified projects.
This continuation of the tax, which has been in place since 1997, would be a significant funding source for the CCSD’s 10 year building program.
“I appreciate people getting to know what’s going to be funded and also seeing what we’ve done with the last E-SPLOST,” said Superintendent Dr. Steven Flynt. “It’s been extremely significant for the district and the community.”
A maximum of $270 million is projected to be raised in the five-year collection period of the E-SPLOST. Accompanying general obligation bonds will generate up to $270 million.
Current and upcoming E-SPLOST projects
There are several ongoing projects that are part of the 10 year building program and that are being funded in part by the current E-SPLOST cycle.
These include the construction of a new Westmont Elementary School, a new North Columbia Elementary School, Greenbrier High School HVAC replacement and LED lighting improvements, secure entryways at all schools and renovations and additions to Lakeside High and Evans High.
If voters approve the renewal of another E-SPLOST cycle, that funding would support the renovation and addition of classrooms at seven schools: Evans High, Lakeside High, Harlem High, Greenbrier High, Grovetown High, Grovetown Middle and Grovetown Elementary.
Additionally, the continuation of the one-cent tax would help the CCSD address the identified needs at all schools, upgrade student support facilities, enhance technology, provide security upgrades and continue preventive maintenance of existing facilities.
Important dates
Locals will have the opportunity to vote on the E-SPLOST renewal in November.
The absentee by mail voting application period is now through Oct. 25. Advance in-person voting will take place from Oct. 15-Nov. 1. Election Day is Nov. 5 and the polls will be open from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
