Gwinnett E-SPLOST Vote Has $950M on the Line

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Gwinnett County voters will decide in Tuesday’s general election whether or not to continue the 1-percent sales tax to pay for projects in the Gwinnett County and City of Buford school systems.

If approved, the E-SPLOST (Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) would raise around $950 million -- $927,675,000 for Gwinnett and $22,325,000 for Buford -- over five years, beginning when the current E-SPLOST expires in June 2017.

If voted down, it would be the first time county citizens turn down such a measure, according to the AJC.

Gwinnett Public Schools says previously approved E-SPLOSTs have provided thousands of classrooms in nearly 60 new schools and around 80 school additions, as well as technology improvements.

Here are some key facts about the E-SPLOST (from GCPS):

• Projects include four new schools and nine additions and renovations
• Technology upgrades system-wide, including a refresh of technology at all middle and high schools
• Equipment and facilities modifications for the high school academies
• Furniture, fixtures, and equipment to address needs due to growth and replacement
• Fine Arts needs (growth and replacement)
• Facility improvements to address preventive maintenance that has been postponed due to budget cuts (roofing, painting, carpeting, etc.)

Supporters of the tax extension include the Gwinnett Chamber and the grassroots group Gwinnett Kids Count, which said a yes vote “invests in our children’s future, attracts businesses and jobs, supports our teachers, builds new schools and classrooms and provides 21st century technology.”

Local tea party groups have voiced their opposition to the referendum. Steve Ramey with the Gwinnett Tea Party told the Gwinnett Daily Post that “throwing money [to improve schools] is not the answer ... The schools have plenty of money, they just misuse it.”

Polls open at 7 a.m. Tuesday.

2015 E-SPLOST Sample Ballot